Referee who kneed player in the groin given 12-match ban for astonishing attack
The Mexican referee who kneed a footballer in the nuts after losing his cool has been banned for 12 games.
Fernando Hernandez was caught on camera moving his left knee in the direction of Leon midfielder Lucas Romero during their Liga MX clash with Club America on Saturday (April 1). Romero and his team-mates were angrily protesting a decision at the time.
Hernandez apologised after the game: "To the fans and public in general, I offer an apology, as well as to Romero, for my reaction. I would never attack him or any other player. I am aware of this and I will abide by the decision of the Disciplinary Commission."
READ MORE: Referee incredibly knees footballer in the nuts after losing his cool in a big way
Romero had publicly pleaded for Hernandez's punishment not to be too severe.
“Obviously [referees] are human beings, many times they can make mistakes and those mistakes end up developing what happened, a lot of misunderstandings," he told broadcaster TUDN.
"I’m not asking for anything, he told me it was unintentional. But just that they also respect us as we respect them on the pitch because they are the authority."
What do you think of the referee being banned for 12 games as a result of the incident? Let us know in the comments section
However, Romero's pleas have fallen on deaf ears, with Fernandez being slapped with a 12-game ban. And ex-referee Felipe Ramos Rizo slammed Fernandez: "Knee from the referee to the Leon player, this could cost him his career. How do you explain this aggression?"
Leon and America's bosses also came to blows in the clash – with both men sent off with ripped shirts following their touchline scuffle. The spoils were shared, with the two sides ending the game level.
READ NEXT:
Edmundo's crazy antics – disgraced star who boozed with chimp and killed three
Spanish lads on stag do in England complete Football Manager dream 1,000 miles from home
Non-league team suffer 'worst offside decision in history' – and it could cost them title
Source: Read Full Article