Overview
- Speaking to TyC Sports after the final whistle, Espinoza called Caruso Lombardi an “idiot” and said he should keep quiet, defending the work of Argentine referees.
- Independiente beat Deportivo Riestra 1-0 at the Guillermo Laza Stadium, ending the hosts’ 27-match home unbeaten run and leaving their Copa Libertadores bid reliant on other results.
- Late in the match, Espinoza ruled a handball by Miguel Barbieri without intent, a decision the VAR upheld before the sequence that led to Santiago Montiel’s decisive goal.
- The outburst came after Espinoza drew heavy criticism for validating a controversial penalty as VAR in Banfield vs. Aldosivi, a call that rekindled relegation tensions.
- Diario Uno reported that Caruso later fired back with personal accusations, while TyC Sports’ broadcast and social clips amplified the confrontation.