Controversial referee reportedly set to retire at the end of the season

The LaLiga referee is set to call time at the end of the season

Controversial referee Mateu Lahoz is reportedly set to retire at the end of the season. Lahoz has fallen under the spotlight ever since his performance in the World Cup where he dished out 18 yellow cards during Argentina's fiery quarter final against the Netherlands - a new record. Lionel Messi in particular was critical of Lahoz's officiating on the night. "This match shouldn't have ended as it did. I don't want to talk about the referee because they sanction you, but people watched what happened," he said. "We were afraid before the match because we knew how he was and I think FIFA has to review this, you can't put a referee like him for these matches." Frenkie de Jong was also equally as critical. He said: "Normally he is also a good referee. But what he showed in extra time was outrageous. I think he really lost his way. It's not his fault, but it has a big influence on the game." The 45-year-old was promptly sent home from Qatar after the last eight fixture but still seems to be card friendly as he handed out a number of yellow cards during Barcelona's Catalan derby against Espanyol. He also recently sent off Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli 15 minutes into their Copa del Rey tie against third tier Linares. Following his latest performances, LaLiga have taken the decision to remove Lahoz from the next round of fixtures and reports in Spain have claimed that he is set to call time on his career. Related links:

• Espanyol file official complaint over Robert Lewandowski being ‘improperly fielded’
• Unpopular World Cup referee sent home after display in Argentina’s game against Holland
• World Cup final referee admits to making mistake during Argentina vs France