Cano's message, after being attacked by a child: "Chilean soccer is getting sick."

Unión San Felipe could not celebrate at home and could only draw 1-1 against Cobreloa, in the 12th round of the second division of Chile. Aside from the football, there was a negative incident that stood out in the match: Argentine goalkeeper Matías Cano, from the visiting team, revealed that he was spat on and hit with stones by a child. After the game, the visibly affected goalkeeper sent a heartfelt message to eliminate violence in stadiums.

“There is an eight-year-old boy who was spitting and throwing rocks. Maybe many times with his father next to him. Regardless of winning or losing, we as adults, as good people, must leave something for the future of football. Then, those same parents are the ones demanding good grades in school from their children, that they behave well, that they do the things they are supposed to do,” explained the 36-year-old goalkeeper in an interview with TNT Sports.

“The truth is that for me, it is a great disappointment to see a seven or eight-year-old kid spit on my face and then throw a rock the size of a boulder. That doesn't do any good to the health of national football. Coming from Argentina, I believe that the Chilean league is getting sick with these things every weekend, with racism and violence in stadiums, which is not normal, which is not right. We have to take care so that both sets of fans can be together in a stadium and coexist,” added the Cobreloa player.

Likewise, Matías Cano indicated that a sports contest should not escalate into something bigger: “Simply, this is a game and if we can win, let people leave happy; but if we have to lose, it's not the end of the world. We have to help and educate the next generations, so that there can be a more fruitful future, not only for Chilean football, but also for society”.

Furthermore, the goalkeeper called for adults to actively participate in stopping these acts. “When you take your child to the stadium, explain to them that it is a sport, that it doesn't matter if you win or lose. Obviously, you will be happy with a victory, but we have to start eradicating violence in stadiums with those who are next to us, who are our children, our nephews, our siblings,” expressed the Argentine.

“Let's take a step forward, let's address what needs to be addressed. Nothing prevents us from admitting that today I made a mistake and we lost, that's not the issue. Today I saw something that had never happened in my life, a child spat on my face. Let's pause and reconsider what we're doing and let's take care of this health, this family, those who come to have a pleasant time at the stadium. Acting with violence should not depend on the result,” Matías Cano concluded.