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09th Apr 2023

Referee gives bizarre red card to player moments after running into him

Callum Boyle

One of the strangest decisions you’ll see

A referee in Argentina chose to send a player off moments after running into him during a controversial night of football.

The incident occurred during title-chasing San Lorenzo’s game against Atletico Tucuman on a Saturday night where three red cards were shown.

Atletico were reduced to 10 in the 43rd minute following a VAR review of a dangerous challenge.

However just a minute later, referee Fernando Espinoza, who has proven to be controversial before, appeared to shove Guillermo Costa, who was protesting against the red card.

Costa was booked for his actions but then just seconds later, Espinoza then brought out his red card and left the side third from bottom with nine men going into the second half.

Espinoza had to be escorted off by security at half time with the home supporters incensed by his decision and was even seen arguing with one of the police officers.

His work wasn’t done there as San Lorenzo also saw a man sent off after the break after Gaston Alan Hernandez stamped on a member of the opposition.

San Lorenzo were comfortable 3-1 winners on the night after taking an early lead via Ivan Ezequiel Leguizamon’s excellent solo effort in the seventh minute.

They then doubled their lead through Nahuel Barrios before Fernando Romero pulled one back for the hosts in the 25th minute.

Despite piling on the pressure, the lack of personnel on the pitch came to bite Atletico back as Leguizamon scored his second and secured the win for San Lorenzo.

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