In addition to Boca Juniors’ self-criticism after the match against River Plate, the coach questioned the objectivity of the officiating with a clear sense of perceived bias.
Before facing the Superclásico amid a Copa Libertadores semifinal push and a tight Libertadores series against Palmeiras, the decision was made to field an alternative XI. The strategy did not pay off, and the team paid the price with a defeat that carried little room for excuses. Amid the scrutiny, Andrés Merlos found himself at the center of attention due to his refereeing choices and circulating clips that suggested support for River. This controversy dominated the narrative around the clash and affected how the post-match assessments unfolded.
Jorge Almirón highlighted two contentious moments during the post-match press conference. The first concerned a potential foul on Weigandt just before Rondón’s goal, and the second involved Cavani’s draw being ruled offside, which nullified the equalizer. Almirón stated that the team carried the burden from their previous visit to River’s ground and noted rumors that the referee might be biased toward River, emphasizing that such assumptions create confusion and doubt about the integrity of the game. He insisted that bias was not acceptable and that the club deserved fair treatment on the field.
The coach described the on-field events as clear misjudgments. He explained that the team watched the game unfold from the bench and saw the decisive goal come at a moment when the play had already moved on. Regarding Cavani’s disallowed goal, he observed that the call was determined by a few millimeters, underscoring how small margins can change the outcome and leave a lasting impression on the players and supporters alike.
In wrapping up the discussion, Almirón expressed that the environment surrounding the match could affect perception, and the referee’s decisions contributed to a sense of doubt about the proceedings. He acknowledged the emotional weight of a Superclásico and the pressure that accompanies a high-stakes fixture, even recognizing the difficulty a referee might face in such a charged setting. The coach reaffirmed his responsibility for the result, stressing that his role as the club’s manager leaves little room for excuses and that accountability remains a core priority for the club.
Note: This summary reflects the post-match reflections and public statements surrounding the incident, as reported by Goal and subsequent coverage.