La Derecha Diario Strong statement and sanction for Echenique after his gross error in Copa Argentina
After not awarding an indirect free kick in favor of Estudiantes de Caseros, the referee will not officiate the Riestra-San Lorenzo match
The controversial decision by Fernando Echenique in the match between Independiente Rivadavia and Estudiantes de Buenos Aires, for Copa Argentina, did not go unnoticed. Due to the unusual refereeing error, the National Directorate of Refereeing (DNA) issued a harsh internal statement and, without an official announcement, the referee was replaced for the next date of the Torneo Apertura.
Everything happened a few minutes into the second half, when a defender from Independiente Rivadavia, Sheyco Studer, deliberately played the ball to his goalkeeper Gonzalo Marinelli, who touched it with his hand to prevent an own goal. Instead of awarding an indirect free kick as the rules indicate, Echenique chose to grant a corner in favor of the opponent, which sparked controversy on social media and once again put his performance under scrutiny.
Echenique already benefited another club related to Tapia
Independiente Rivadavia is one of the clubs that is very connected with Chiqui. Its president, Daniel Vila, is one of the staunch defenders of the AFA's leader and received certain "help" for his team to reach the First Division, so it would not be surprising if he might be involved in Echenique's refereeing decision.
Beyond this, the team that undoubtedly benefits the most from Tapia's management is Barracas Central, a club of which he was once president and which is still presided over by one of his sons, Matías Tapia.
Recently, during the match between Boca and El Guapo at the Bombonera,the same referee controversially decided to disallow a goal by Cavani for an alleged foul on the goalkeeper. In response to the player's complaints, the referee replied: "Read the rules", accompanying his response with a gesture simulating flipping through pages of a book with his hands.
The DNA's concern
The National Directorate of Refereeing did not take long to react. Through an internal circular addressed to all Argentine football referees, the organization expressed its concern and was direct in its criticism of the refereeing team.
"The DNA as a whole and the Technical Secretariat, observe with extreme concern the erroneous decision-making in basic and easily resolvable situations established in the Rules of the Game, which we understand should be known from the beginnings of our refereeing career".
The text also pointed to the collective responsibility of the refereeing team
"Beyond the maximum and primary responsibility of the central referee, it doesn't escape the rest of the team (assistant referees and fourth referee). Not having solved a deliberate pass with the foot to the goalkeeper who plays the ball with his hand according to the rule with an IFK, is of great concern and forces us to ask the entire group to work with seriousness, responsibility, and professionalism in each of the categories, as these decisions do nothing but discredit our refereeing".
Although AFA and LPF did not officially announce a sanction, Echenique was removed from his commitment on Sunday between Deportivo Riestra and San Lorenzo. In his place will be Fernando Espinoza.
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