"Coach, you shouldn't do this here." Canadian coach who rushed onto the field to protest was stopped by his player, avoiding a scandal.

*This content was translated by AI.

Jesse Marchi (53), head coach of the Canadian national soccer team, rushed onto the field to protest a referee's decision but was prevented from causing an incident by his own player's intervention.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 29th (Korea time) that "Coach Marchi charged at the referees after the first half ended against South Africa, but defender Moise Bombito stepped in to block him."

Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match held at LA Stadium in the United States on this day, thanks to a dramatic winning goal by Stefan Eustaquio in stoppage time of the second half.

The incident occurred in the final moments of the first half with the score tied 0-0. Canadian player Richie Laryea fell after being tripped by South African defender Kuliso Mudau inside the penalty box, but no foul was called. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review showed that Mudau had touched the ball slightly first, and the decision remained unchanged. The main referee ended the first half without awarding a penalty kick.

The media explained that "instead of adjusting tactics, Coach Marchi rushed onto the field, vehemently protesting to the referees. Bombito, upon discovering the enraged coach, quickly stepped in front of him. Bombito calmed the coach with words while physically restraining him to prevent him from approaching the referees, stopping the impulsive action."

Experts in the UK highly praised Bombito's handling of the situation. Former England national team striker Dion Dublin, in a BBC Radio interview, stated, "The referee made an excellent call. Bombito also wisely separated the coach and fulfilled his role well," adding, "It is difficult to understand why the coach was so agitated."

Referee expert Christina Engle offered somewhat conflicting analysis. Immediately after the match, Engle claimed, "It was a foul and a penalty kick should have been awarded. An on-field review should have been conducted," but later changed her stance after halftime.

She explained, "The VAR referee team accurately captured the defender's slight touch on the ball. The decision not to award a penalty kick was correct. However, there is still some controversy regarding the contact criteria for the player inside the penalty box."

ITV studio commentators Bradley Wright-Phillips and Karen Carney also agreed that the defender's touch on the ball was clear and that the attacker also contributed to the fall, concluding that it was not a penalty kick.

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*This content was translated by AI.