The red card controversy was the center of the LAFC CONCACAF Champions League semifinal on Saturday night against Club America, with Eduard Atuesta sent off in the fifth minute of the first half break.
Atuesta appeared to be rejecting Richard Sanchez in the 18-yard box just as he passed the 45-minute mark, but no penalty was given after the Colombian midfielder contacted him.
As the game progressed up the field, Atuesta and Club America goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa joined. Atuesta of LAFC moved in the direction of Ochoa, but repetitions showed that he made negligible contact, if any, for a long time. the Tri netminder.
However, this did not stop referee Juan Gabriel Calderon from sent off Atuesta when Club America took a 1-0 lead at the break. Watch the play in question below, where Atuesta was dragged to the ground by teammates from Club America in Ochoa after the theaters, leaving her team with 10 men.
Tensions took part in the half, with Club America midfielder Luis Reyes staying on the LAFC bench. Coaches and players took exceptions when emotions skyrocketed, creating another potentially explosive moment. Club America coach Miguel Herrera was even sent off and entered the second half from the stands at Orlando City SC’s home ground.