César Farías told Wilmar Roldán after his expulsion in the Copa Libertadores: ‘I have 220 international matches and I have never been expelled’
César Farías, coach of Barcelona Sporting Club, was expelled during a Copa Libertadores match for a dispute with referee Wilmar Roldán, who interpreted a minor incident as aggressive behavior.
In a recent Copa Libertadores match against Botafogo, César Farías, the coach of Barcelona Sporting Club, found himself expelled following a contentious incident that took place near the technical area. The situation arose when Botafogo defender Alexander Barboza kicked the ball near the Barcelona bench, prompting a physical interaction that referee Wilmar Roldán deemed to be aggressive. This decision sparked a heated exchange between Farías and Roldán, leading to the coach's red card.
During an interview with Blu Radio, Farías detailed his conversation with Roldán after receiving the expulsion. He expressed his disbelief at being sent off, citing his extensive experience in international matches and questioning the referee's judgment. Farías claimed he had not made physical contact with Barboza and urged Roldán to review the VAR footage to confirm his position. Despite his protests, Roldán maintained his decision, leading Farías to conclude that further dispute could result in a more severe penalty.
The situation has broader implications for Barcelona SC as they navigate through crucial stages of the Copa Libertadores. Farías's expulsion not only affects his ability to coach during upcoming matches but could also influence his team's performance and strategy in the tournament. The case underscores the ongoing debates about officiating standards and the use of technology in sports, particularly in high-stakes international competitions like the Copa Libertadores.