A footballer is facing a potential lifetime ban after he was captured on video punching and kicking a referee in a fit of rage following a red card. The shocking incident occurred during a match in Argentina.
The Attack
Enrique Rivas struck official Sebastian Gomez in the back of the head, causing him to double over and fall to the ground in agony. As Gomez dropped to his knees, Rivas then kicked him in the side before a teammate intervened to restrain the enraged player.
However, Rivas broke free and charged back toward the referee, shoving another teammate who tripped over the official. Rivas was eventually restrained again and escorted away from the scene.
Match Details
The ugly scenes unfolded at the Yoly Caceres football ground in El Calafate, Argentina, on Sunday, June 15. Argentinos del Sur were leading 1-0 at the time thanks to a sixth-minute strike from Jose 'Coco' Tapia. The match was a Primera Division Apertura semi-final.
The chaos began when Gomez showed a straight red card to Academia Canadon player Rivas for attacking an opponent. Enraged by the decision, Rivas turned on the referee, forcing the immediate suspension of the match.
Aftermath
Gomez was treated at the scene before being taken to a local hospital for further medical attention. Police have launched an investigation, while the Southern League's Disciplinary Tribunal will decide Rivas' punishment and determine how the suspended semi-final will be concluded.
Similar Incident
The attack comes less than two months after another Argentine footballer attacked a referee during a match in Funes. On April 18, shocking footage showed Gaston Acosta calmly approaching referee Jesus Campreher before suddenly unleashing a vicious right hook, followed by a second punch. Campreher suffered a fractured nasal septum and was briefly knocked unconscious.
That assault took place during stoppage time of a Primera B clash between Defensores de Funes and 7 de Septiembre. The match was abandoned, police were called, and Acosta was arrested at the scene.
