Aldo Rocha hit with lengthy ban for insulting the referee

Bad news for Atlas. The Guadalajara-based team will be without their captain Aldo Rocha for the next three games. During Friday’s home game against Mazatlán, Rocha insulted referee Marco Antonio Ortiz. The images of the discussion between them opened an intense debate on social media and on Monday the punishment the player is to receive was finally announced.

After reviewing the referee’s notes detailing the incident, the Disciplinary Commission issued the Zorros number 26 with a three-game suspension: a one-game ban for the two yellow cards that he received in stoppage-time at Jalisco Stadium and the other two for “insulting the match officials with profanity”.

High tackle

The game was in the 90th minute with Atlas losing 1-2 when the captain completely lost it. In sheer desperation he lashed out with his leg raised, striking José Madueña in the chest. Referee Marco Antonio Ortiz immediately showed him a yellow card followed by a red, as it was the second warning.

Rocha then began to sarcastically applaud the ref in his face. Unfazed, the referee appeared to ask the player to repeat what he had just said. That prompted another insult from the Zorros captain, while Ortiz pointed towards his microphone, to warn that the discussion was being recorded and there would be witnesses listening to it.

The player left the field enraged. It was a costly mistake for him and his team as he will miss the away games against León and Tijuana as well as the home meeting with Pachuca. After serving the ban, Rocha will be able to return in Week 16, when Atlas will visit Pumas, at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.