Córdoba: Merlos avoided trial for assaulting Talleres' vice president and received probation

Referee Andrés Merlos agreed to a suspended trial after the scandal involving Talleres. He was charged with intentional minor injuries. The case began after he assaulted the club's vice president, Gustavo Gatti.

The hearing took place at the Mendoza Criminal Judicial Center. It occurred eight months after the violent incident during a Copa Argentina match. The event took place in September 2023 at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium.

Merlos was reported for kicking Gatti. The executive suffered abrasions and a contusion. He had to receive immediate medical attention.

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.

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.

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 since then. 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. The management of Talleres feels that, this time, justice was served.