Card-crazy World Cup ref Antonio Mateu Lahoz lands shock career change as fans joke ‘he was built for this’
EX-REFEREE Antonio Mateu Lahoz has shocked football fans after landing a surprise new job.
Lahoz, 46, drew heavy criticism for his performance in the World Cup quarter-final clash between Argentina and Holland.
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Lionel Messi led the criticism after a record 17 bookings were handed out, including Denzel Dumfries being sent off following Argentina’s penalty shoot-out victory.
Card-crazy Lahoz was subsequently sent home from Qatar.
But he was immediately thrust back into the limelight when he dished out ANOTHER 15 cards during a game between Barcelona and Espanyol.
Lahoz ultimately penned his retirement from the beautiful game at the end of last season, breaking down in tears after officiating his final match.
However, the Spaniard’s involvement in football is far from over.
It comes after he landed a role on Spanish broadcaster Movistar.
His role will see him become a refereeing commentator on the channel’s Champions League coverage alongside Carlos Martínez and Álvaro Benito.
Depending on scheduling, he may even appear on Monday programme “The day after.”
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Reacting to the news, one fan said: “He was built for this.”
A second wrote: “Just what everyone wanted, the main man himself.”
“Box Office,” declared a third.
A fourth joked: “Mateu Lahoz is now in his final form.”
Lahoz is said to have turned down roles with Cope and an offer to head the Saudi Pro League’s referees.
He had been an active ref since 1999.