LEAGUES CUP 2023
What did América boss André Jardine say about Leagues Cup referees after controversial Chicago Fire win?
Las Águilas had Richard Sánchez sent off and saw a Julián Quiñones goal disallowed in the victory at Soldier Field.
Club América are through to the round of 16 of the 2023 Leagues Cup after the narrowest of victories against Chicago Fire at Soldier Field, achieved thanks to an own goal from opposition midfield Gastón Giménez. Despite the win, head coach André Jardine was unhappy at the end of the contest after seeing striker Julián Quiñones have a goal disallowed by referee Walter López Castellanos.
In his post-match press conference, Jardine gave his opinion on the standard of officiating in the Leagues Cup, with Las Águilas also unhappy about being on the receiving end of controversial decisions made in the group-stage match against Columbus Crew. The Brazilian says he is looking for more “fairness” from referees across the board.
Jardine: “Refereeing decisions are confusing”
“It’s complicated for me to speak about referees, I’ll leave that to pundits. I didn’t see it (Quiñones’ disallowed goal) but my general feeling is that the decisions are confusing. We also saw a dubious goal stand (against Columbus Crew) so we ask the officials to be attentive, because one mistake can kill you in a knockout match. Please be attentive, concentrate and analyse things closely, because it can influence the outcome of the game. Hopefully, the decisions made will be fairer next time”, the América coach pleaded.
Richard Sánchez gets a red card
Midfielder Richard Sánchez was sent off in injury time, which Jardine acknowledged was the correct decision. In his view, however, The Fire’s Manuel Navarro should also have been shown a red card. “I think a red card was the right call but players on both teams should be judged on the same criteria, if not, that complicates the game. It seems to be that prior to the red card, the Chicago player should also have been sent off for kicking out without looking at the ball”.
Where and when is America’s next game in the Leagues Cup?
Club América are one of five Liga MX teams left in the Leagues Cup and will take on Nashville SC in the round of 16. The match will be played at GEODIS Park on Tuesday 8 August, with kick-off at 8:00 p.m. ET.