Mar 6 • 17:56 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

‘Wilmar Roldán wanted to make a show of power, and he did it,’ says César Farías, DT of Barcelona SC, about his expulsion in the Copa Libertadores

César Farías, the head coach of Barcelona SC, criticized referee Wilmar Roldán for his expulsion during the Copa Libertadores match against Botafogo, suggesting it was an excessive display of authority.

César Farías, the head coach of Barcelona SC, spoke to the media ahead of the upcoming Clásico del Astillero against Emelec, part of the Liga Ecuabet's third round. During this press conference, he reflected on his recent expulsion in the Copa Libertadores match against Botafogo, where he clashed with a player, leading to the referee's decision to send him off. Farías expressed his belief that referee Wilmar Roldán, known for his experience and success, was displaying an unwarranted show of power in his handling of the situation.

The Venezuelan coach stated that he has known Roldán since his earlier days in officiating, referring to him as a character who acts with arrogance and a sense of authority. He pointed out that Roldán's behavior during the incident demonstrated a high level of hubris, indicating that the referee often speaks in the third person, which, according to Farías, illustrates a level of self-importance. This critique suggests that Farías feels that Roldán's style as a referee can sometimes overshadow the game itself.

As he navigates the criticism of the referee, Farías also prepares for the crucial match against Emelec, hinting that such experiences with officiating may carry implications for how his team approaches future games in the tournament. This incident has generated discussions regarding the role of referees in critical matches and their authority, which could affect the dynamics of the competition moving forward.

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