‘I will not fall into the trap’ – Didier Deschamps makes cryptic swipe at referee after France crash out of World Cup

FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps cryptically hit out at referee Ivan Barton after his side were dumped out of the World Cup by Spain. Les Bleus were the pre-tournament favourites to lift the trophy and had been, arguably, the best team in the competition before the semi-final. But Kylian Mbappe and Co were brushed aside by the reigning European champions as goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro booked La Roja a spot in the final. It was agony for France and manager Deschamps, whose 15-year spell in the role will come to an end after the third-placed play-off. And the 57-year-old couldn’t resist going out without a dig at referee Barton over his performance. Deschamps told his press conference: “The fourth and fifth officials were great. I don’t want to say any more. But do you believe the referee was up to the task to referee a semi-final?” READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP When quizzed further about his comments by French reporters, Deschamps offered a frosty response. He replied: “I didn’t say he wasn’t up to standard. I asked the question. “Look at the match. The penalty and other things. I will not fall into the trap of debating any more.” Barton did have a testing start to the game as he first forgot his vanishing spray after awarding Spain an early free kick. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS And he then made a huge call to give them a penalty in the first half when Lucas Digne accidentally kicked Lamine Yamal. Digne was trying to make a clearance before clattering Yamal but Barton had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Oyarzabal then clinically put away the penalty to hand Spain the lead before Porro’s cool finish in the second half sealed the 2-0 win. While Deschamps wasn’t happy with the officiating, his player Rayan Cherki disagreed with him and said France had only themselves to blame. Speaking after the game, he told reporters: “It’s a big disappointment because we lost to ourselves. “We didn’t lose to the referee or to Spain. It’s not about the ref. “We didn’t play the football we’re used to play – while Spain did.” World Cup 2026 - all the info England fans believe football is coming home with the Three Lions into the semi-finals. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on fire… but now they face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the semi-finals. Spain have reached the final after beating tournament favourites France 2-0. LATEST NEWS - France 0 Spain 2: Spaniards set up possible final with England after crushing win over favourites - “What do you want Jude to say?” – Kane defends Bellingham after bombshell ITV interview - Rice tells medics he can START World Cup semi-final - Pickford orders England to defy Argentina star Martinez’s dark arts - England ready to stick with same back four vs Argentina from Norway win - World Cup commentator packs his bags and boards plane home KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING TICKETS If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.