VAR clarifies Argentine player's expulsion after 19 seconds of play

CONMEBOL released this Friday (23) the audio of video referee Juan Lara regarding the expulsion of Advíncula, from Boca Juniors, 19 seconds into the match against Cruzeiro, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the South American.

What happened

The incident occurred just 9 seconds into the game. The Argentine player lost his elegance when he hit midfielder Romero's ankle and referee Wilmar Roldán blew the foul and showed him a red card shortly after. The punished defender left the field in tears.

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_{Advíncula, from Boca Juniors, leaves the field in tears after being sent off against Cruzeiro (Photo: reproduction/Douglas Magno/Getty Images Embed)}

The decision was reviewed by the video referee after the field mediator explained to his colleague that he would send off the right-back for having touched the sole of his foot on the opponent's ankle.

In its analysis, the VAR accepted the decision on the field and strengthened the prerogative of preserving the physical integrity of the person hit: “The sole of the foot is completely over the ankle. It ends on top of the foot, but part of the ankle flexes because of the force. (…) The blue player plays the ball, the player in yellow arrives late and steps on the ankle.” Wilmar Roldán then maintained his decision and confirmed the expulsion.

How the game turned out

With an extra player, the team from Minas Gerais unwrapped the package and beat Boca Juniors 2-1, taking the outcome to a penalty shootout (Boca won the first leg in Argentina 1-0). After overcoming the penalties, Cruzeiro qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament.

In the quarterfinals of the South American Cup, Cruzeiro will face Libertad, who eliminated Sportivo Ameliano on penalties. The first game will be in Paraguay and in the second game Raposa will decide once again in Belo Horizonte.

Featured photo: Referee of the Cruzeiro X Boca match, Wilmar Roldán (reproduction/Douglas Magno/Getty Images Embed)