Sergio Ramos, one of the most media-savvy and recognized footballers, has just been involved in an incident that has shaken Liga MX. In his fifth match with Rayados de Monterrey, Sergio Ramos suffered his first expulsion in Mexico, which sparked a wave of criticism.
The Match and the Expulsion
In the twelfth round of the Liga MX Clausura tournament, Rayados defeated Pumas 1-3. Sergio Canales, who scored a penalty and assisted Germán Berterame for the third goal, was the undisputed leader of the match. However, Ramos's prominence was not as positive.
Just a few minutes before the end, the Spanish defender was expelled for a harsh kick to Guillermo "Memote" Martínez. This action occurred when the ball was no longer in play, prompting the referee, Ismael López, to show him a red card.
Efraín Juárez's Criticism
Pumas's coach, Efraín Juárez, was quick to express his displeasure with the situation. Juárez asserted that a foreign player like Ramos should be an example on and off the field. The coach stated that a foreigner is expected to be an example, and Ramos should have been expelled earlier.
Pumas's coach pointed out that if the offender had been a Mexican player, the expulsion would have been immediate. For Juárez, the measure taken by the referee was lenient due to the Spanish center-back's nationality.
The Consequences of the Expulsion
Ramos's expulsion could have repercussions for the player. According to Liga MX rules, he could face a sanction of between one and two matches, depending on the Disciplinary Commission's evaluation. The expulsion was surprising as it came in the 90th minute when the match was already decided, despite other previous controversies.
At the end of the match, Sergio Ramos tried to downplay the controversy on his social media. On X (formerly Twitter), Ramos expressed his satisfaction with the victory: "Very important victory against a tough opponent on a difficult field. Time to rest and think about the next one."
A Foreigner Under the Microscope
What happened with Ramos has reopened a debate about the treatment of foreign players in Liga MX. While some argue that international figures should be evaluated more rigorously, others believe that the criticism should not be excessive.
What is clear is that, despite his success in Europe, Ramos must adapt to the expectations of Mexican soccer. The expulsion highlighted the differences in the treatment of foreign and national players, a sensitive issue on the continent.