South Korea are into the semis (Allsport).

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Scottish referee Hugh Dallas has dismissed suggestions that World Cup co-hosts South Korea have deliberately received preferential treatment from officials.

The Asian minnows have made it through to a semi-final match-up with Germany on the back of several controversial decisions.

Spanish and Italian chiefs were left incensed after being knocked out by the Koreans, with both sides having goals ruled out.

However, Dallas remains confident that there has been nothing sinister in the officiating at this summer's finals.

He told the Daily record: "I'm told there is a lot of talk about conspiracy theories. My first reaction is very simple - it's absolute nonsense.

"The referees are well aware we're not being shown in the best of lights at the minute, in particular some of the assistant referees who have made some regrettable mistakes.

"Morale can be low at times like this, especially when serious accusations are being levelled against us.

"I can understand exactly why this this stuff starts up. As a football fan I have nothing but sympathy for the Italians, for example.

"If that had been Scotland on the receiving end I would be asking some questions. As a referee I cannot defend what happened to them and I cannot explain it but these are genuine mistakes.

"There is no question that anyone from FIFA has spoken to the referees and told them to look after Korea and Japan.

"If that was the case you'd have to ask why haven't Japan also gone through?"