And Now, A Word Against The Ref

Colón de Santa Fe's Germán “Pirulo” Rivarola, a former Canalla, has stated that the reason he kicked the ball at Collado as the referee blew the final whistle was that the official had insulted him during the match. “Within the first 5 minutes of the match I approached him to argue a foul that Schiavi had made on Nieto, and he said 'f*k you, you mother f*ker, sod off’”, the midfielder said. He went on to say that he hadn't really intended to strike the official, but that seems a bit far fetched to me.

Colón’s president, German Lerche, will be filing a formal complaint with AFA (Asociación del Fútbol Argentino.) I don't know how well that's going to go over, as five of their players have received suspensions from AFA's disciplinary board for their actions after the Rivarola's red card, for which he receives an automatic suspension. Joining him are keeper Diego Pozo, defenders Marcelo Goux and Ariel Garcé, as well as forward Esteban Fuertes.

And lets not forget that Hugo Barrientos will also be serving a suspension. With Hugo getting playing time due to Diego Mateo's injury, I have to wonder what sort of line up Sensini can cook up for Sunday's match against Arsenal de Sarandí.


Here is the referee list for the weekend, officials yet to work a Newell's match again in bold:

Estudiantes de La Plata - Chacarita Juniors, Rafael Furchi.
Godoy Cruz - Rosario Central, Mauro Giannini.
Huracán - Banfield, Héctor Baldassi.
Racing Club - Tigre, Patricio Loustau.
Argentinos Juniors - San Lorenzo, Javier Collado.
Atlético Tucumán - Colón de Santa Fe, Juan Pablo Pompei.
Boca Juniors - Independiente, Saúl Laverni.
Vélez Sarsfield - River Plate, Néstor Pittana.
Newell's - Arsenal, Pablo Lunati.
Lanús - Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, Cristian Faraoni

Wait... something is wrong with this picture, let me double check... yes, Pablo Lunati will be working his first game involving Newell's this Apertura. Amazing.

And, of course, my condolences to Argentinos Juniors and San Lorenzo for drawing the short straw, and having to deal with Collado.

Lastly, I've changed the Poll app, so get your votes in for Newell's best player of the Apertura!