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

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·9 October 2025

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

After the Millionaire's 1-0 victory over the Academy in the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina, Rocky had a regrettable gesture with the Argentine National Team's fullback, which led to a harsh punishment.

Following River's 1-0 victory over Racing in the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina 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.

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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 for assaulting (including elbowing, punching, kicking, or biting; spitting or hitting) an opponent or another person who is not a match official».

Since it is not a penalty greater than four matches without being able to set foot on a field, the punishment will only be served in the Copa Argentina, so Gustavo Costas will be able to count on Rocky for the 2025 Clausura Tournament, a positive piece of news considering the severe injury suffered by the attacker Elías Torres.

A day after the defeat, Balboa issued an apology statement on his social media in which he did not mention the Argentine National Team's fullback: «I want to publicly apologize for my reaction in yesterday's match. I also want to apologize to everyone who felt offended and/or attacked by my actions. This has never happened to me as a professional, and I commit to ensuring it will not happen again».

El Huevo was the focus of criticism from the Academy's fans. The former Racing player from 2014 to 2017 sparked controversy when he juggled with his head, an event that shook all of Arroyito. Additionally, one of the fans of the Avellaneda team showed him bills, 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.