What punishment will ref Fernando Hernández face for kneeing León player?
Lucas Romero was struck by the referee as he was being hounded by a group of León players claiming handball in the move that led to América’s equaliser.
León went in at half-time with just the slightest advantage at the Azteca - Alfonso Alvarado had nodded the visitors ahead in stoppage-time. But América were back level just after the hour in a controversial move from a corner. Diego Valdes slotted in a loose ball in the box but it appeared that Israel Reyes, who had deflected the ball, made contact the ball with his hand in the build-up. The goal was given in spite of protests from outraged León players.
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A number of León players confronted match official Fernando Hernández to voice their anger which ended up with the goal scorer and defender Jaine Barreiro both being booked. However, Lucas Romero squared up to the ref, who then struck him with his knee, sending the player to the ground.
The incident caused a huge reaction on social media, with many fans suggesting that Hernández should be punished for striking Romero. There is a regulation in the rule book that specifies what kind of sanction referees who engage in violent behaviour against players can face.
What punishment could Fernando Hernández receive?
The Liga MX regulation indicates the following in Chapter IV, under the section: Infractions Committed by the Arbitration Body, Article 30, Subsection g:
“Incurring in any type of violent conduct with the Players, members of the Technical Staff, Officials, with the personnel authorized to remain on the pitch and/or with the public. 1 to 15 games suspension and a fine of 90 to 500 UMAs (10,000 to 52,000 pesos). In the event that the infraction is committed against match officials, the sanction may be increased.
So Fernando Hernández could miss between one and fifteen games, in addition to receiving a financial fine. The FMF Referees Commission have opened an investigation into the matter.