In a match that will be remembered for its dramatic finale, Miguel Borja’s costly miss followed by a controversial stoppage sparked a turbulent sequence. The referee, Darío Herrera, issued a penalty that Borja converted, and the closing seconds exploded into a mass confrontation as players from River Plate celebrated while Boca Juniors reacted with fury. The moment underscored the Superclásico as more than a game; it became a story of emotion, pressure, and the delicate balance between passion and discipline on one of club football’s biggest stages.
The aftermath of the decision left the scene unsettled and uncertain. Although the triggering spark remains unclear to many observers, River Plate security personnel were called into action as tensions escalated. Different sources pointed to multiple clashes and scuffles that broke out among players and staff, contributing to a tense fifteen-minute stoppage before any order could be restored. Coaching staff and the refereeing panel worked to calm the situation, but the sequence highlighted the fragile boundary between exuberant celebration and uncontrolled aggression in a match of such weight.
When calm finally returned, Herrera made his decisive calls. Boca Juniors saw four players sent off from their side, while River Plate saw three players dismissed. On the Boca side, Miguel Merendi, Nicolás Valentini, and Equi Fernández were among those shown red cards as the team trudged off with eight men on the field for the final moments, joined by Jorge Almirón in the technical area. For River Plate, Augustine Palavecino received a red card, leaving the team with ten players on the pitch, though additional ejections of Ezequiel Centurión and Elías Gómez occurred while they sat on the replacement bench.
Five edits were recorded in the public dialogue surrounding the event. In River Plate, Palavecino, Centurión, and Elías Gómez were shown red, while on the Boca side Merendi, Valentini, Equi Fernández, and Jorge Almirón were cited in error during coverage. The incident drew wide attention across leagues and media outlets, becoming a focal point in discussions about discipline, competitive intensity, and the impact of disciplinary actions on a team’s ability to finish a high-stakes match. A paraphrase of the reaction from within the stadium circulated through social channels as fans debated whether the penalties and expulsions were proportionate to the outburst.
Followers of the sport saw the segment as a stark reminder that a football clash can pivot on a single moment. The drama of the game persisted even after the final whistle, with supporters and analysts exploring what the red cards meant for each club, the integrity of the competition, and the ongoing legacy of the Superclásico in the 2023 season. The episode left clubs with a long road ahead to regain composure and refocus on upcoming fixtures, underscoring how quickly a match can shift from an anticipated duel to a cautionary tale about celebrations, restraint, and sporting conduct.
Note: The incident remains a touchstone in discussions about the fairness of penalties and the seriousness with which referees enforce rules in high-pressure environments. It also served as a reminder that, in football, emotions run hot and the penalties for missteps can linger long after the final whistle. The balance between competitive fire and control is a continuous challenge for players, coaches, and officials alike in the pursuit of a fair and entertaining spectacle for fans around the world.
— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) May 7, 2023
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Source: Goal