Switzerland star Breel Embolo was reduced to tears after a new rule contributed to him being sent off against Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final clash.

Embolo, who had already been booked, went down after an apparent foul by Argentina’s Leandro Paredes in the 70th minute.

Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for his challenge by Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro.

Pinheiro, however, was then instructed to review the decision by VAR under a new ‘mistaken identity’ rule.

The rule allows for a decision to be changed in the event a player has been booked or sent off, but the infringement was actually committed by the opposition.

The review showed that Embolo had initiated the contact with Paredes, leaving his right leg trailing to make contact with the Argentine, before tumbling to his left.

Referee Pinheiro, after reviewing the incident, returned to the pitch and confirmed Paredes had not committed a foul but that it was a clear act of simulation by Embolo.

The official then cautioned Embolo for the offence, before brandishing a red card with the forward having already been booked in the first half.

Switzerland players surrounded the official to protest the decision, while a tearful Embolo was comforted by team-mates as he left the pitch.

His red card came just minutes after Switzerland had dragged themselves level in the quarter-final, with Dan Ndoye scoring a fine equaliser after exchanging passes with Ricardo Rodriguez.

Argentina had led through Alexis Mac Allister, with the midfielder rising highest to head in from a corner in the 10th minute.

Switzerland held on to force extra-time against the reigning world champions despite being reduced to 10-men. 

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