Hassan Kamranifar played a key role in sending off Swiss player Valon Behrami for elbowing Arturo Vidal of Chile during the Group H match on June 21 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“I did my best in the tournament, nonetheless I apologize to all Iranians for being sent back,” Kamranifar said.
“I am so happy because I gave a boost to the Iranian referees’ society. It’s up to others to judge my performance in the World Cup,” the referee added.
Hassan Kamranifar and Saleh Mohamed Al Marzouqi from the UAE were assistant referees to Saudi Arabian referee Khalil Al Ghamdi in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.