The Manchester United midfielder looked set to receive his marching orders against England but was granted a reprieve in the international friendly as he represented Uruguay
22:25, 27 Mar 2026Updated 22:26, 27 Mar 2026
Manuel Ugarte picked up two yellow cards(Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images))
Uruguay and Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte received two yellow cards against England on Friday night, but escaped a red card in unusual circumstances. After a period of confusion, it emerged that the midfielder saw his second caution rescinded by the referee and was permitted to remain on the pitch as a result.
The commentary team of Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon were perplexed when Ugarte didn’t leave the field after being clearly shown a second yellow card. It was initially suggested that the caution ‘did not exist’.
The matter received some clarity minutes later, when it was explained that the second yellow card had been rescinded. Matterface said: “The second yellow apparently, according to the fourth official, was rescinded.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,” he added.
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Following the match, it was then suggested that Jose Jimenez was actually booked when Ugarte appeared to be given his first yellow.
The International Football Association Board has adjusted the powers of the video assistant referee, with new powers to be in place for the World Cup. Under new review powers, VAR will be able to look at red cards arising from a clearly incorrect second yellow card.
They will also be allowed to look at: Mistaken identity, when the referee penalises the wrong team for an offence resulting in a red or yellow card being shown to the wrong player; and competitions may allow VAR to review a clearly incorrectly awarded corner kick, provided that the review can be completed immediately and without delaying the restart.
Ugarte did not last long on the pitch after his yellow card, as Marcelo Bielsa substituted him shortly after.
Ben White scored on his return to the England squad(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
England could only manage a draw against Uruguay after Ben White saw a rollercoaster period on the pitch. The Arsenal defender was booed onto the field when he was introduced in the second period, but soon handed England the lead.
The full-back arrived at the back post to tap in from close range, marking a poignant return under Thomas Tuchel. Unfortunately, the defender then conceded a penalty, allowing Federico Valverde to net a 94th-minute equaliser.
Harry Maguire thought it was a harsh decision. “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.”
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