The Japanese referee whose decisions in the opening match of the World Cup triggered a storm of controversy has shrugged off criticism of his performance.
Yuichi Nishimura awarded Brazil a soft penalty and decided against sending off superstar Neymar for an elbow in the host side’s 3-1 win over Croatia on June 12, leading to furious protests from the Europeans and lighting up social media.
“I was prepared for (criticism) before the match,” the 42-year-old Nishimura told a news conference late on Thursday in his first comments since the game. “That’s all part of the job.”
Explaining his decision to award a penalty for Fred’s dramatic flop, he added: “If you look at how it happened, the forward was looking to shoot in one move. The defender put his hands on him. That was a mistake.
Social media lit up after Brazil’s contentious victory, with several posts mocking up photos of Nishimura sporting a Brazil jersey or superimposed over the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio.
It was no laughing matter for Croatia, who also had a goal harshly disallowed by the Japanese official.