The decision surprised the management and the coaching staff, as a sanction was not expected. However, the report of Uruguayan referee Andrés Matonte was decisive for
the resolution. Salas will miss his Copa Sudamericana debut
The episode that caused the penalty dates back to the elimination against Palmeiras in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Copa Libertadores. After the defeat, River's players reacted angrily to refereeing and Salas was one of the most effusive, rebuking the judge with insults. This conduct was recorded by Matonte, which led to the sanction, although it was not
mandatory to notify it beforehand.
In this way, the striker will miss the team's debut against Blooming in Bolivia, on April 8, and will not be available in the second round of Group H against Carabobo at the Monumental stadium.
The loss of Salas will not be the only one for the start of the tournament. Marcos Acuña must also serve a suspension date after being sent off in that same match against Palmeiras, when he committed an offense within the area that resulted in the goal that sealed the elimination. In principle, his place would be taken by Matías Viña
. Acuña also misses his debut due to his expulsion against Palmeiras
With this scenario, River must rearm his attack for the start of the South American Championship, in the midst of a week of special preparation that includes a mini-concentration
