Infantino tells Fifa critics to ‘meditate, pray or watch football’

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has told critics to "meditate, pray or watch a football match" instead of "spreading hate and false rumours" about his leadership, the governing body and the World Cup.

Of the 191 other red cards shown at a men's World Cup, only one other player has escaped a suspension.

Infantino also addressed criticism surrounding the standard of officiating at the tournament, in particular concerns about political interference after USA forward Folarin Balogun was made available for their last-16 tie when his one-match ban was suspended by Fifa - following the intervention of US President Donald Trump.