Referee Andrés Merlos agreed to a suspended trial after the scandal with Talleres. He was charged with intentional minor injuries. The case began after he assaulted the club's vice president, Gustavo Gatti.
The hearing was held at the Mendoza Criminal Judicial Center. It took place eight months after the violent incident during a Copa Argentina match. The event occurred in September 2024 at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium.
Merlos was accused of kicking Gatti. The executive suffered abrasions and a contusion. He had to receive immediate medical attention.
El episodio provocó una fuerte tensión entre Talleres y la conducción de AFA.
Rules of conduct, restriction, and donation to the hospital
As part of the agreement, the judge imposed rules of conduct for one year. Merlos will not be allowed to approach Gatti or consume alcohol or drugs. He will also have to establish a residence and avoid any type of crime.
Additionally, he was required to make a symbolic reparation to Hospital Notti. The referee will have to deliver ten cans of infant formula to the pediatric center. The measure was agreed upon together with the Public Prosecutor's Office.
This way, Merlos is released from the criminal trial. However, his image was tarnished by the scandal. In fact, he will not be able to officiate Talleres matches for one year.
Merlos fue imputado por lesiones leves dolosas luego de agredir a Gustavo Gatti, vicepresidente de Talleres.
Fassi had reported assaults and biased refereeing
Days after the match, Andrés Fassi strongly criticized Merlos and AFA. He publicly reported having been punched by the referee. He also accused referees of being directed to harm the Córdoba club.
Fassi described Merlos's actions as "a premeditated provocation." He stated that Talleres was forced to play during a FIFA date without several of its called-up players. He suggested that some referees "respond to political interests."
The probation reinforces the version of Talleres's management. The ruling gives credibility to the claims of the Córdoba club. Merlos avoided jail, but he will not be able to clear his name easily.
La probation refuerza la versión de la dirigencia de Talleres.
Tension with AFA and open wound with Talleres
The incident caused a strong tension between Talleres and AFA leadership. The institutional relationship has been strained ever since. The Córdoba club reported being the victim of targeted refereeing decisions.
With the probation confirmed, the scandal takes on a concrete legal dimension. The judiciary recognized the assault as a proven fact. Merlos, with no prior record, avoided a firm conviction thanks to the agreement.
Despite the measure, the referee will have to answer to public opinion. Talleres's management feels that, this time, justice was served.
