Feb 21 • 01:57 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Video: the elbow from ‘Maravilla’ Martínez to Ayrton Costa for which all Boca called for expulsion

In a match marred by numerous fouls, the controversy centered around Racing player 'Maravilla' Martínez's elbow strike against Boca's Ayrton Costa, leading to demands for his expulsion.

In a tense match between Boca and Racing in the 2026 Torneo Apertura, the game ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw but was marked by significant foul play. Both teams were involved in physical confrontations, with Boca suffering 12 fouls and Racing enduring 13. A particularly contentious moment arose during the first half when Racing's Adrián ‘Maravilla’ Martínez delivered an elbow strike to Ayrton Costa, prompting Boca players and fans to call for his expulsion from the match.

Following the incident, reactions were swift, especially from Costa himself, who expressed frustration over Martínez's actions. He pointed out that Martínez had committed multiple infractions during the game without receiving adequate punishment, having only been shown a yellow card despite the severity of his actions. This complaint echoed sentiments shared by many Boca supporters who felt that the refereeing was biased against their team, culminating in an atmosphere of discontentment from both players and fans alike.

Ultimately, the game, characterized by its lack of scoring opportunities and high number of fouls, left both teams unsatisfied as they continue to compete for better standings in the league. The incident with Martínez not only sparked a debate over officiating standards in Argentine football but also serves as a reminder of the passionate rivalry between Boca and Racing, where such controversies often take center stage, fueling the intense atmosphere surrounding their matches.

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