The referees in Mexican football have found themselves under intense scrutiny more than once, with their decisions and conduct at the center of heated debates. Across the history of the Liga MX competition, the officiating crews have frequently sparked conversations, whether through controversial calls or off-field incidents that keep fans talking long after the final whistle.
One of the most talked-about moments involved Fernando Hernandez, who, while trying to quell a tense altercation during the América vs León clash in Clausura 2023, inadvertently brought harm to a Panzas Verdes player. The fallout led to a twelve-game suspension, underscoring how high the stakes can be when tensions rise on the pitch. This incident remains a reference point in discussions about officiating discipline and crowd control in Mexican football. (Goal)
GOAL provides a look at some of the most memorable refereeing controversies in Liga MX, illustrating how referees can become pivotal actors in the league’s storylines and how fans, clubs, and administrators respond to such moments.
STRIKE FOR AGGRESSION
During a Copa MX match featuring Club America, Pablo Aguilar headbutted Fernando Hernandez. The incident resulted in a suspension that kept him off the field for ten games. The referees’ union argued that the punishment did not fully address the severity of the offense, and in a striking move, association members halted work. The strike paused play on the scheduled day of the Clausura 2017 fixture, highlighting how officiating disputes can disrupt competition and spark broader dialogue about player conduct and referee accountability. (Goal)
ALLEGATIONS OF RACISM
In 2018, controversy arose when Maganda, the champion, was accused of facing racism based on his skin color, with assertions that this bias contributed to his departure from the Arbitration Board. He later appeared in a friendly tournament, Copa por México, but in 2021 another decision led to his dismissal, with claims that he did not meet the requirements to whistle in Liga MX. These episodes reflect ongoing concerns about inclusivity and fair treatment within the refereeing community and how such claims shape public trust in the officiating process. (Goal)
ATTACK ON THE PRESIDENT
Edward Codesal, who chaired the Arbitration Commission, faced intimidation and physical assault from Fidel Kuri, the Veracruz owner, inside a box at the Luis ‘Pirata’ Fuente stadium. The incident led to the manager receiving a one-year suspension, demonstrating how power dynamics and personal risk can intersect with the governance of football officiating. (Goal)
In each of these cases, the reactions from the league, players, fans, and officers underscore the broader impact of refereeing on the sport’s integrity and competitive balance. The ongoing dialogue centers on improving referee training, accountability, and support systems to maintain a fair environment for all participants in Liga MX. (Goal)