Red card controversy was at the heart of LAFC’s Concacaf Champions League semi-final Saturday night against Club America, when Eduard Atuesta was sent off in the fifth minute of the first half of injury time.
Atuesta appeared to have been fouled by Richard Sanchez in the 18-yard box just as the 45-minute mark was up, but no penalty was awarded after the Colombian midfielder made contact.
As the game evolved, Atuesta and Club America goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa got together. LAFC’s Atuesta moved towards Ochoa, but repetitions showed that he made negligible contact with the The Tri net less.
But that didn’t stop referee Juan Gabriel Calderon from sending Atuesta away, as Club America had a 1-0 lead at half time. Watch the game in question below, where Atuesta was pushed to the ground by Ochoa’s Club America teammates after the theatrical, leaving his team with 10 men.
Tensions continued into half time, with Club America midfielder Luis Reyes hanging around the LAFC bench. Coaches and players were exceptional as emotions skyrocketed, creating another potentially explosive moment. Club America manager Miguel Herrera was even sent off and took over the second half from the stands at the home of Orlando City SC.