Adrian Balboa gets 3-match ban for spitting at Acuña in Racing v River | OneFootball

After the Millionaire’s 1-0 win over the Academy in the Copa Argentina quarterfinals, Rocky had a regrettable gesture toward the Argentina national team fullback that resulted in a harsh punishment.

After River’s 1-0 win over Racing in the Copa Argentina quarterfinals at the Gigante de Arroyito, Adrián Balboa had a regrettable gesture and spat at Marcos Acuña. Almost a week after the match, the Uruguayan was punished with a three-match suspension.

The decision was based on Article 13 1. i) of the AFA Disciplinary Code, which states “at least three matches of suspension or an appropriate period of time for assaulting (including giving elbows, punches, kicks, or bites; spitting or striking) an opponent or another person who is not a match official.”

Since the penalty is not greater than four games without stepping on the pitch, the punishment will be served only in the Copa Argentina, so Gustavo Costas will be able to count on Rocky for the 2025 Clausura Tournament, positive news considering the severe injury suffered by forward Elías Torres.

A day after the defeat, Balboa issued an apology statement on his social media in which he did not mention the Argentina national team fullback: “I want to publicly apologize for my reaction in yesterday’s match. I also want to ask forgiveness from everyone who felt offended and/or attacked by my actions. This had never happened to me as a professional, and I commit that it will not happen again.”

El Huevo was the target of criticism from Academy fans. The former Racing player from 2014 to 2017 sparked controversy when he juggled the ball with his head, an episode that shook all of Arroyito. In addition, one of the fans of the Avellaneda team showed him banknotes, as they accuse him of being a “mercenary” for choosing River for his return to Argentine football.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.