Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was shown two yellow cards against England but avoided being sent off as the hilariously embarrassing reason for the mistake was announced
22:58, 27 Mar 2026
Manuel Ugarte
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Manuel Ugarte was shown two yellow cards against England(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
Uruguay and Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was shown two yellow cards against England on Friday evening, yet avoided being sent off in bizarre circumstances. After a moment of confusion, it was hilariously claimed that the midfielder had his second booking withdrawn by the referee and was allowed to continue playing as a consequence.
Commentators Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon were baffled when Ugarte failed to depart the field despite being clearly brandished a second yellow card. It was initially suggested that the caution 'did not exist'.
The situation gained some clarification moments afterwards, when it was revealed that the second yellow card had been withdrawn. Matterface stated: "The second yellow apparently, according to the fourth official, was rescinded.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Jarrod Bowen of England is challenged by Ronald Araujo and Manuel Ugarte of Uruguay during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Ugarte wasn't sent off despite seeing two yellow cards(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
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"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 continued.
After the fixture, it was then embarrassingly claimed that Jose Maria Gimenez was actually cautioned when Ugarte seemed to receive his first yellow for chopping down Cole Palmer.
The International Football Association Board has modified the authority of the video assistant referee, with fresh powers set to be implemented for the World Cup. Under revised review capabilities, VAR will be permitted to examine red cards stemming from a clearly mistaken second yellow card.
They will also be permitted to examine: 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 didn't remain on the pitch for long following his yellow card, as Marcelo Bielsa withdrew him shortly afterwards.
England could only secure a draw against Uruguay after Ben White experienced a busy spell on the pitch. The Arsenal defender was booed when he entered the fray during the second half, but quickly put England ahead.
The full-back arrived at the far post to convert from close range, marking an emotional comeback under Thomas Tuchel. However, the defender then gave away a penalty, enabling Federico Valverde to score a 94th-minute leveller.
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Harry Maguire believed it was a harsh call. "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."