England vs Iran referee showed red cards to five players during Flamengo vs Fluminense clash

The World Cup 2022 Group B fixture between England and Iran will be officiated by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus.

It will be the first time he has taken charge of a senior World Cup match, having had experience of the 2021 Copa America. He officiated the third place play-off clash between Colombia and Peru.

The 43-year-old also officiated during the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Claus is one of two Brazilian referees in Qatar, alongside Wilton Sampaio.

As per WhoScored, Claus has officiated 24 matches in the Brasileirao - the Brazilian top division - in the most recent season.

England and Iran players may have to watch their discipline carefully, given that the referee has handed out a total of 114 yellow cards - an average of 4.67 per game.

When it comes to red cards, he has dished out 10 to players in his 24 appearances this season.

Five of those red cards were shown to Fluminense players, while a further three Flamengo players were sent off by Claus. And the majority of those cards were shown in one match.

Raphael Claus sent off five players in Flamengo vs Fluminense

Claus was appointed for September's clash between Flamengo and Fluminense in the Brazilian top division - and it turned out to be a highly charged encounter.

A total of five players were sent off over the course of the 90 minutes, although one of the five red cards was shown to Fluminense's David Braz, who wasn't on the field of play at the time.

He was presented with two yellow cards in the sixth minute after protesting a decision. Given he was not an active player, however, the game continued with 11 players versus 11 - until the 88th minute.

As per BeSoccer, a brawl broke out between the two sides. Meanwhile, visiting defender Manoel was first to receive his marching orders for a foul, before Flamengo's Mariano was then sent off for his reaction.

Then, following a separate incident, Fluminense's Caio Paulista and Flamengo's Everton were both sent back to the dressing room. Overall, Claus showed four red cards in the final stages - two to each team.

Flamengo's starting XI featured former Premier League defenders David Luiz and Filipe Luis, while ex-Barcelona and Juventus star Arturo Vidal came off the bench for the final 20 minutes.

All three players avoided a red card themselves - although Flamengo lost the game 2-1.