Boyce: Referees not told to be lenient in Brazil

With two matches remaining, the 2014 finals in Brazil have seen 10 dismissals - the lowest figure at the tournament since 1986, when 52 games were played, 12 less than in the competition's current format.

Spanish official Carlos Velasco Carballo came under criticism for failing to brand a caution until the 64th minute of Brazil's feisty quarter-final clash with Colombia, leading to speculation that referees had been asked to keep their cards in their pocket by FIFA.

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