Juan Máximo Reynoso, the new coach of the Peruvian national football team, has been involved in several controversial incidents throughout his career. One of the most memorable occurred in December 2015, when he took out his pants pockets to denounce an alleged 'robbery' by referee Luis Garay during the final between FBC Melgar, his team, and Sporting Cristal.
Despite the alleged attempt to undermine them, the red-and-black team became champions at the UNSA stadium in Arequipa, winning 3-2 against their opponents. However, this did not calm the indignation of 'Cabezón'.
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"Today, I was wearing the jersey of a big team and the other one was Melgar's. That's what saddens me. If we had lost, which I saw as quite likely, nothing would have been said. The environment would have focused on the fact that Cristal won, it's just another star added, they imposed their hierarchy. The same old story," he declared in a press conference.
Why did Reynoso take out his pants pockets?
The action that triggered Reynoso's fury occurred in the 78th minute of the second half, when Melgar and Cristal were tied 2-2, heading towards extra time. Jonathan Acasiete made a great run and delivered a dangerous cross to 'Cachete' Zuñiga, which was intercepted by 'Mudo' Rodríguez, although the ball hit the defender's hand.
Referee Luis Garay did not consider the action a penalty, unleashing Reynoso's anger and indignation, who moments later took out both the back and front pockets of his pants. "This is a message from Reynoso," was what the late commentator Daniel Peredo said when the cameras focused on this moment.
Cristal reported Reynoso
Following these events, Sporting Cristal reported Juan Reynoso to the Justice Commission of the ADFP (Professional Football Sports Association). However, the coach was acquitted and declared innocent because "no gestures or words expressing the message mentioned in the complaint were observed".
How much money did Juan Reynoso earn as coach of Cruz Azul?
The former defender joined Cruz Azul at the beginning of 2021, after a couple of successful seasons in Puebla. According to Diario Récord from Mexico, his initial contract was for $500,000 per year, although it had some clauses that could increase the amount depending on the achievements.
This changed after winning the Clausura 2021 title, as the executives of the Mexican team decided to more than double his salary, reaching $1.3 million per season.