LIGA MX
Fernando Gago fined by the Liga MX Disciplinary Commission
The Argentine coach landed in hot water for criticizing referee Fernando Hernández during the recent Clásico Nacional.
Controversy reared its head once again in the Clásico Nacional between Guadalajara and América. Match official Fernando Hernández made a couple of decisions that could have affected the scoreboard and Chivas coach Fernando Gago made it clear that he was not happy about the outcome of an incident involving winger Roberto Alvarado.
No foul on Alvarado
During the first half, Piojo attempted to connect with a loose ball just inside the Azulcrema penalty area. However, he collided with defender Sebastián Cáceres and the ball was cleared. Chivas’ complaints fell on deaf ears - the referee considered that no foul had been committed and decided against consulting VAR to take a second look at the move.
What did Gago say?
At the end of the game, the Argentine coach complained that his side should have been awarded a penalty for the foul on Alvarado. “Roberto Alvarado was headbutted. It’s a very clear penalty. Very similar to the one in Mazatlán - it’s the same or worse, it was a very clear penalty... I am extremely angry about the situation of the penalty and also because of what the players told us about feeling uncomfortable with the refereeing,” Gago told reporters in his post-match press conference.
Chivas coach fined
On Tuesday, the Liga MX Disciplinary Commission reported that the Guadalajara coach has been handed a financial fine for having criticized the refereeing during the game against América.
“The coach breached Article 71, section d) of the FMF Rules and Regulations during his press conference after the game corresponding to Week 12 of the Clausura 2024 on 16 March.” an FMF statement read. “The regulations state that any player, member of the coaching staff and/or official who makes, through the media and/or social networks, criticism or negative comments about the refereeing or VAR faces sanction”.
The Clásico Nacional game between Guadalajara and América ended without goals, leaving both teams with a point each. The result means the Águilas are second in the general table on 25 points, three points behind leaders Monterrey while Chivas are just inside the playoff place in 10th on 16 points.