The AFA Disciplinary Court will determine suspensions for those involved in the Red in the River clash between Boca Juniors and River Plate, with penalties expected to be serious for some participants.
The Super Classic on Sunday, May 7, was marked by high intensity, strong tackles, and a number of cautions in the first half, followed by controversy in the second half when Darío Herrera avoided issuing a second yellow card to certain players. The drama peaked late in the game at minute 89, when Sández took Solari down with a penalty, Miguel Borja converted another goal, and Agustín Palavecino celebrated in front of Nicolás Figal, a moment that sparked further reactions.
From that moment on, Boca players reacted vigorously, triggering a sequence of confrontations that lasted more than ten minutes. Security personnel from the Monumental stadium had to step in repeatedly to restore order and prevent incidents from escalating.
When calm was finally restored, the referee showed seven red cards: Merentiel, Equi Fernandez, and Valentini for Boca Juniors, with George Almirón nearby, while on River Plate’s side the players sent off were Palavecino, Ezequiel Gómez, and Ezequiel Centurión, these last two having come on as substitutes during the match.
The Disciplinary Court’s rulings were anticipated for the following Tuesday, with the possibility of dates for suspensions that could affect the players’ participation in future fixtures. The prevailing sentiment around the case pointed to strong sanctions for a few individuals, with Palavecino and Merendiel among the most discussed, the former cited for his role in escalating the altercation and the latter noted for being among the hardest players to contain.
The situation highlights how high-profile derbies can spill over into disciplinary action, creating repercussions that extend beyond a single match. The club responses, referee decisions, and the subsequent court rulings will shape the teams’ lineups in coming weeks and influence the dynamic of the rivalry.
The events drew widespread attention from fans and analysts alike, reinforcing the notion that tensions in football’s classic encounters can intensify rapidly and require measured, consistent adjudication to maintain safety and competitive integrity. The outcomes will be watched closely by supporters, clubs, and governing bodies as they assess responsibility, penalties, and the potential impact on the sport’s calendar in Canada, the United States, and beyond.