When it was believed that his appointment gave full guarantees for the spectacle, taking into account that he had refereed the most recent match between both teams, Chocoano central referee John Hinestroza starred in a controversial performance on Thursday night: and all in the victory (2-0) of Deportes Tolima over Deportivo Cali, in the second match of the Liga BetPlay 2 2022.
(Related: Mayer Candelo relied on 'Teo's' expulsion for defeat against Tolima)
The whistle, the same one that had successfully officiated the second leg of the Superliga 2022 between 'Vinotinto y Oro' and 'Azucarero' on February 23, this time was not successful and left more doubts than certainties about his decisions, which had a direct impact on the final result. Both for the 'tribe' and for the visitor, who also strongly protested his performance.
The first controversial action of the game occurred at 33 minutes, when Hinestroza overlooked what could have been a foul in the area by midfielder Bryan Rovira on forward Ángelo Rodríguez. In the images from Win Sports channel, a grip between both players can be seen, in which the striker ended up on the ground; but the referee considered, perhaps incorrectly, that there was first a handball by the San Andrés attacker.
⚠️ IT WAS A PENALTY: VAR Mauricio Pérez should have contacted Hinestroza in this action involving Ángelo Rodríguez. It is a play to at least interpret by the referee. From the VOR room, they marked it as a handball by Ángelo that occurs at the end of the play, but the grip comes first. pic.twitter.com/lHKtuEJ4yI
— ElVarCentral (Andrés) (@ElVarCentral) July 15, 2022
On the other hand, the second play that sparked fury on social media occurred at 39 minutes of the match. Prior to a corner kick, forward Teófilo Gutiérrez delivered a subtle but clear headbutt to right back Léider Riascos, although the young player exaggerated the foul, it was confirmed in the video assistant referee's review, which tilted the game.
🟥 RIGHTLY SENT OFF: Headbutt by Teo Gutiérrez that results in a direct red card for violent conduct. VAR did well to inform John Hinestroza. Not much more to add. #LigaBetplay pic.twitter.com/kFFdoQ3UWT
— ElVarCentral (Andrés) (@ElVarCentral) July 15, 2022
Argentine commentator Fernando Niembro, from the aforementioned channel, drew attention for his strong defense of 'Teo', considering Hinestroza's decision unfair.
(Also see: Former América players who 'scored' against Deportivo Cali in their visit to Ibagué: Will they be missed?)
Similarly, the official account of the Valle del Cauca team considered Riascos' action a simulation, despite his youth, he won the duel against one of the craftiest players in the tournament, which interested Junior.
⚽➕Teo is sent off, the 'azucarero' player is expelled! 🐷💚 #LALIGAxWIN pic.twitter.com/m6LdTjtZd9
— Win Sports TV (@WinSportsTV) July 15, 2022
And the controversy that ended the Chocoan's performance occurred at 59 minutes when the referee called offside after forward Michael Rangel's headed pass to Luis Miranda; even though the Guajira, who put the ball into the back of the north goal at Manuel Murillo Toro, was behind the line. It was a silent review, influenced by VAR. Debatable.