Marcelo Gallardo was shown a red card just before halftime in the match between River Plate and Argentinos Juniors after an ironic applause directed at referee Andrés Merlos.
In a heated encounter between River Plate's coach Marcelo Gallardo and referee Andrés Merlos, an on-field confrontation escalated leading to Gallardo receiving a red card just before the halftime whistle. The incident occurred during the match against Argentinos Juniors, where River was trailing 1-0 due to a goal from Hernán López Muñoz. In the final minute of the first half, a tackle by Tomás Molina on Gonzalo Montiel led to a foul being called by Merlos, who was positioned near the midfield.
As the referee made the call, Gallardo reacted with ironic applause, seemingly mocking the officiating decision. This exchange caught Merlos' attention, prompting him to issue a red card to Gallardo, resulting in his expulsion from the match. The relationship between the coach and referee had been tense prior to this incident, adding to the drama of the game and highlighting ongoing issues regarding officiating in Argentine football.
This incident not only underscores the controversies surrounding refereeing in football but also emphasizes the emotional intensity and pressure faced by coaches during high-stakes matches. Gallardo's expulsion could have significant implications for River Plate, as they must navigate the remainder of the match without their head coach, potentially impacting their performance and strategy on the field.
