Ex-Man United midfielder Ander Herrera received a four-match ban following an on-pitch altercation with a security guard during the Club World Cup.
Ander Herrera Was Sent Off After Heated VAR Protest
Former Man United star Ander Herrera was at the forefront of the spotlight in Boca Juniors’ heated battle against Benfica in the CWC.
The heated event began just before the halftime. Herrera was clearly not happy with the refereeing that day. He then got up to confront the referee when a security guard was there to stop him. Even after being held back Herrera continued to yell at the referee.
The match official looked at the incident, and gave Herrera a straight red card. After the entire scene, FIFA has given a 4 game ban to the midfielder. Given that, he will not be available for at least the semi-finals, should Boca makes it that far. To make things more worse, Herrera had already left the pitch earlier due to injury, adding to Boca’s worries.
Boca Appeals Ban Amid On-Field Chaos
The drama didn’t end with Herrera. Boca defender Jorge Figal was also shown red later in the match. He was sent off for a poor tackle near Benfica’s warm-up area. That created more tensions between both squads. That moment nearly sparked a full-blown fight. Benfica’s Andrea Belotti was also sent off for a high-footed challenge to Ayrton Costa’s head.
Initially Belotti was shown a yellow, but the card was changed to red after a VAR check. Though Figal was given four matches, and Belotti was given two games. Boca Juniors went ahead with an appeal hoping it would reduce both bans. The club went on record suggesting the bans were inconsistent. Boca Juniors want their best players in the lineup, while they continue to progress through Club World Cup.
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