Ex-Manchester United star Ander Herrera was sent off after clashing with a security guard during Boca Juniors' Club World Cup opener against Benfica.
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Tempers flared in Boca & Benfica clashHerrera was sent off after being subbedThree red cards were flashed during the gameFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The incident unfolded just before halftime at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Referee Cesar Arturo Ramos had paused play to review a potential foul involving Boca defender Carlos Palacios and Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi. As the Mexican official awarded a penalty following a check on the VAR monitor, an enraged Herrera, who has been substituted due to injury, attempted to charge toward him, bypassing security and breaking protocol. His aggressive actions prompted officials to intervene, and referee Ramos promptly showed the midfielder a red card after being informed of the altercation.
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The match itself continued to deliver fireworks. Following the penalty call and Herrera’s dismissal, Benfica capitalized on the shift in momentum. Angel Di Maria and Otamendi spearheaded a second-half comeback that saw the Portuguese side level the score at 2-2. However, as tensions escalated, the referee had more work to do. Boca defender Jorge Figal and Benfica striker Andrea Belotti both received red cards in the second half as tempers continued to flare until the last minute.
AFPWHAT NEXT?
The draw in Miami leaves Group C of the Club World Cup wide open. Benfica and Boca Juniors now sit behind Bayern Munich, with Auckland City also part of the group. Boca will face the German champions in their next outing on June 20, but will be without Herrera and Figal.
