Uruguay and Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was shown two yellow cards against England on Friday night, yet remarkably avoided a red card in extraordinary circumstances. Following a period of confusion, it was claimed that the midfielder had his second booking overturned by the referee and was consequently allowed to remain on the pitch.

ITV commentators Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon were left baffled when Ugarte failed to leave the field after being clearly shown a second yellow card. It was initially put forward that the caution ‘did not exist’. Clarity emerged minutes later, when it was revealed that the second yellow card had been rescinded. Matterface said: “The second yellow apparently, according to the fourth official, was rescinded. Which I don’t think you can do, not yet… maybe the laws of the game have changed a little bit early. We might just be overlooking a bit of an error.”

In the aftermath of the match, it was subsequently suggested by ITV presenter Mark Pougatch that, as well as the second yellow not counting, Jose Maria Jimenez had actually been booked at the moment Ugarte appeared to receive his first yellow card.

Whether that is the officials trying to save face, or that Ugarte truly wasn’t shown a single yellow card in the match, is entirely up for debate.

The International Football Association Board has updated the powers of the video assistant referee, with fresh authority set to be in place for the World Cup. Under the revised regulations, VAR will be able to review red cards arising from a clearly incorrect second yellow card.

Referees will also be permitted to examine: Mistaken identity, whereby the referee penalises the wrong team for an offence resulting in a red or yellow card being shown to the incorrect player; and competitions may permit VAR to assess a clearly wrongly awarded corner kick, provided that the review can be concluded swiftly and without holding up the restart.

Ugarte’s time on the pitch following his ‘second’ yellow card was brief, as Marcelo Bielsa withdrew him shortly afterwards.

England were forced to settle for a draw against Uruguay following a chaotic spell on the pitch for Ben White. The Arsenal defender was met with boos when he was introduced during the second half, yet promptly handed England the advantage in the 81st minute.

The full-back arrived at the far post to tap home from close range, marking a significant return under Thomas Tuchel. Sadly, the defender then gave away a penalty, allowing Federico Valverde to secure a 94th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.

Harry Maguire considered the decision to be harsh. “It’s a ridiculous penalty. It’s soft,” he said. “He’s kicked the ball over the bar. Ben just goes to try to block the shot. It’s not a bad tackle, it’s not malicious. It’s part and parcel of defending in the box, there is going to be contact.”