In a recent match in the Liga Ecuabet, Emelec secured a 2-1 victory against Orense SC, but the game was marked by a controversial decision when Ángel Mena received a red card for a violent tackle on defender Aníbal Leguizamón. The expulsion occurred just nine minutes into the first half after the central referee, Gabriel González, reviewed the play using the On Field Review system, which suggested that Mena's action warranted a dismissal from the match.

Omar Ponce, regarded as one of the best referees in Ecuadorian football history, publicly supported Gonzalez's decision, emphasizing that the referee acted correctly in response to Mena's conduct. Ponce noted that while the intent behind Mena's tackle could be debated, the severity of the action—deemed violent by the standard of the game—justified the use of the red card. His comments reflect a broader discussion on how officials interpret and enforce rules within the sport.

Ponce's endorsement of the decision highlights the ongoing conversations within football regarding player conduct and the refereeing of potentially dangerous plays. His perspective, shared through JC Sports, adds depth to the analysis of officiating in Ecuadorian football, as the community navigates controversies that can arise from match decisions and the enforcement of player safety protocols.