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The opening match between Boca Juniors and Benfica at the FIFA Club World Cup descended into controversy on Monday, as three players saw red in a heated 2-2 draw — prompting swift disciplinary action from FIFA.
Boca’s Ander Herrera and Nicolás Figal were both hit with four-match suspensions on Friday following their dismissals in Miami, with FIFA citing breaches of its disciplinary code. Benfica’s Andrea Belotti, who was also sent off in the same match, received a two-game ban.
FIFA’s decision to suspend the players stems from what it described as a violation of Article 14 of the Disciplinary Code: "at least one match or an appropriate period of time for unsporting behaviour towards an opponent or a person other than a match official; at least four matches or an appropriate period of time for unsporting behaviour towards a match official."
The chaotic scenes unfolded late in the first half when Herrera, already off the pitch due to an injury sustained in the 20th minute, attempted to confront referee Cesar Arturo Ramos during a VAR review. As Ramos reviewed a potential penalty for Benfica with Boca leading 2-0, Herrera was seen grappling with tournament staff in a bid to reach the touchline monitor. The Spaniard’s conduct led to a straight red card after officials alerted the referee to the incident.
“Herrera earned the first red card from the sidelines after reacting furiously and having to be held back as he attempted to join teammates on the field to address referee Cesar Ramos,” noted a FIFA report on the incident.
Figal was then shown a red card in the 88th minute for a heavy challenge on Florentino Luís, while Belotti was dismissed for a tackle on Boca’s Ayrton Costa in the 72nd.
Belotti will now miss Benfica’s remaining group games against Auckland City and Bayern Munich, while Herrera and Figal are suspended for Boca’s upcoming clashes against Bayern and Auckland City — and would only be eligible again should the Argentine side reach the semi-finals.
“All parties have the right to request the grounds and appeal the decision,” FIFA added in its statement.
Despite having been forced off the pitch with injury early in the match, Herrera managed to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. Reports suggest the 35-year-old clashed with a tournament official while attempting to influence the referee’s decision on the penalty — which was ultimately awarded and converted by Ángel Di María, helping Benfica claw back into the match.
The game ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw after Boca’s early goals from Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia were canceled out by Di María’s penalty and a late equalizer from Nicolás Otamendi.
Boca return to action on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, facing Bayern Munich in their second group stage match. Benfica, meanwhile, travel to Orlando for their next game against Auckland City.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @anderherrera, Unsplash / Fabricio Paura
