Referee orders Japan player change socks
US - Midfielder Keito Nakamura leave pitch two minutes change socks. Japan draw Sweden 1-1, final round Group F World Cup 2026.
Minute 56, Dallas stadium June 25, Daizen Maeda score first for Japan. Then, referee Ivan Barton suddenly order Nakamura leave pitch change to longer socks.
Midfielder born 2000 like short socks, tiny shinguards for comfort. Socks cover small part of shin, much lower than other pro players.
Nakamura (blue shirt) wear low socks. Japan beat Tunisia 4-0, round two Group F World Cup 2026, Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, June 20. Photo: AP
While Nakamura change socks, Japan play with 10 men. Daizen Maeda drop deep on left wing fill gap. Coach Hajime Moriyasu talk constantly with linesman. Minute 59, Reims Ligue 1 midfielder return. Three minutes later, under pressure, Japan let Anthony Elanga equalize for Sweden.
Post-match interview, Nakamura feel sorry cause trouble for team. "Sorry leave pitch two minutes. Do this three years, so confused when referee order change," 25-year-old midfielder say.
Nakamura (number 13) after change to high socks, second half Japan draw Sweden 1-1, final round Group F World Cup 2026, Dallas, US, June 25, 2026. Photo: JMPA
JFA President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto criticize referee Barton. Say FIFA, IFAB require shinguards, but no size rules. JFA get no warning from FIFA before Sweden match. Also, Nakamura not warned in previous matches against Netherlands, Tunisia.
"Issue not raised before match, but raised during match. Player forced leave pitch hurt us," President Miyamoto say. "Not know what to do, but want check situation with parties avoid same issue in knockout stage."
Other Japan players unhappy. Midfielder Daichi Kamada say play with 10 men even few minutes change game. Say: "Positions disrupted, slow to settle. Give opponent chance press."
Ritsu Doan angry when subbed minute 66, deny clash with coach Moriyasu. Japan media suspect root cause Nakamura sock incident. "Not angry at coach, but have reason get mad," Doan say. "Speak after tournament end."
Low socks, tiny shinguards long debate in world football. However, FIFA, IFAB not release common, detailed rule.
Before Sweden match, pundits criticize Nakamura, want practice end protect player health.
Referee Ivan Barton, 34, El Salvador, work World Cup 2022. Visit Japan August 2013, JFA-El Salvador referee exchange program. Referee J-League 1 matches, warn Kashima Yuma Suzuki in Fukuoka match. Striker roll up shorts for leg movement, ordered roll down.
After Nakamura incident, Sports Hochi comment: "Maybe decision best for player safety, reduce injury risk. But referee seem strict on appearance."
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