LIGA MX
What did Pumas coach Antonio Mohamed say about a controversial penalty given to América in the Clásico Capitalino?
Jonathan Rodríguez’s solitary goal sent Las Águilas to the top of Liga MX’s Apertura 2023 table, much to Mohamed’s unhappiness.
Club América have moved to the top of Liga MX’s Apertura 2023 standings after posting a controversial victory over Pumas in Saturday’s Clásico Capitalino thanks to Jonathan Rodríguez’s goal in the second half, which provoked somewhat cryptic comments from Universitarios boss Antonio Mohamed.
Jonathan Rodríguez goal settles Clásico Capitalino
Rodríguez scored the rebound from his own saved penalty, which came after Pumas goalkeeper Julio González was judged to have taken the striker down following a VAR check. The Uruguayan attacker was sent clean through on goal and attempted to go round González, who slid in with his feet in an effort to stop a certain goal.
VAR gives América match-winning penalty against Pumas
Replays suggested contact was minimal, with Rodríguez taking an extra step before going to ground rather theatrically. Referee Víctor Cáceres initially signalled the América man had dived and waved play on but reversed his decision after viewing the incident again on the screen.
Aguilas manager André Jardine was seen making a “VAR gesture” with his hands in the immediate aftermath of the incident, while counterpart Mohamed was clearly not pleased with the outcome and launched a somewhat cryptic attack on Cáceres and the refereeing team.
Mohamed: the referee “simply follows orders”
“I won’t give an opinion on the referee,” said Mohamed, before going on to give an opinion. “He simply follows orders,” could be the phrase which gets the Pumas boss into hot water with the authorities.
“Little things went against us. I think we played well and had it under control. It was a game of fine margins and a refereeing call decided the match.”
América go top, Pumas stay sixth
América are now unbeaten in nine games and sit a point head of Tigres at the top of the table. Pumas would have drawn level with their rivals had they won at Estadio Azteca but remain in sixth spot, the final automatic playoff position.