'VARgentina' reach semi-finals under cloud of complaints

NEW YORK, July 13 : A new refereeing protocol has added to the powder keg of public perception over fairness at the World Cup, a former FIFA referee said on Monday, with another refereeing controversy involving Argentina adding fuel to fan complaints. The defending champions' passage to Wednesday's semi-final has been accompanied by repeated complaints from opponents over refereeing decisions, amid social media speculation that the tournament has favoured Lionel Messi's side.The saga came to a head on Saturday in Argentina's quarter-final defeat of Switzerland, as Breel Embolo was sent off for a second yellow card for simulation, a VAR rule that Switzerland's coach Murat Yakin called "unacceptable."Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment. The protocol over mistaken identity is one of severa