An Argentine club defender has also been handed a suspension.
FIFA has banned Boca Juniors midfielder Ander Herrera for four matches following his charge at the referee during the club’s opening match at the Club World Cup. Defender Nicolás Figal from the same Argentine club received an identical four-match ban.
The thrilling Boca Juniors vs. Benfica match ended in a 2-2 draw early Tuesday morning Bangladesh time. In total, three players from both teams were shown red cards.
Herrera, who left the field injured in the 20th minute, became involved in trouble late in the first half. After referee César Ramos awarded Benfica a penalty, the 35-year-old Spanish midfielder lost his temper on the sidelines.
As the referee reviewed the replay on the pitchside monitor, Herrera stormed towards him. A security guard tried to restrain him, but Herrera could not be stopped until Boca’s support staff intervened. The referee then showed a red card to the former Manchester United and PSG midfielder.
In the 88th minute, Boca’s 31-year-old Argentine defender Figal was sent off directly after fouling Benfica’s Florentino Luis.
Earlier, in the 72nd minute, Benfica’s Andrea Belotti was shown a red card for stepping on the head of Boca defender Ayrton Costa while challenging for a header. The 31-year-old striker received a two-match ban.
Boca Juniors are unhappy with the four-match suspensions imposed on their two players. A club spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday that they plan to appeal the decision.
In their second Group C match, Boca Juniors will face Bayern Munich. The game at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled to start at 7 a.m. Bangladesh time on Saturday.
