The World Cup semi-final clash between European giants France and Spain was briefly interrupted in its early stages today, 14 July 2026, due to an unexpected oversight by the match official. Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton, officiating the high-stakes encounter, realised he was missing a key piece of equipment required for managing free-kicks.
The incident occurred approximately eight minutes into the game after France's Adrien Rabiot committed a foul on Spain's Dani Olmo, resulting in a yellow card for the French midfielder. As Barton prepared to mark the ten-yard distance for the defensive wall, he discovered he did not have the essential white vanishing spray, a tool used to clearly indicate where players must stand during set-pieces.
In a moment described as somewhat embarrassing for the experienced official, fourth official Glenn Nyberg was seen sprinting onto the pitch to deliver the forgotten spray can. Barton, 35, jogged towards the touchline, reportedly smiling as he retrieved the item, passing slightly bewildered players who had gathered for the free-kick.
The oversight drew comments from pundits, with former England forward Chris Sutton remarking on BBC Radio 5 Live, "The referee has forgotten his spray. Come on, you have two jobs. Remember your whistle and remember your spray." Despite the minor hiccup, the game quickly resumed without further incident, though the delay provided a moment of levity in an otherwise tense fixture.
Barton, who previously worked as a professor of organic chemistry after earning a degree in chemical sciences, is a well-known figure in international football. He made his World Cup debut in the 2022 tournament in Qatar and has a history of making notable decisions, including becoming the first referee to send a player off for covering their mouth during a confrontation earlier in this World Cup edition, dismissing Paraguay's Miguel Almiron against Turkey. He also previously halted a 2023 Concacaf Nations League match between the United States and Mexico due to homophobic chants from fans.