Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni sanctioned for Copa America Peru game

The Albiceleste boss has been handed a one-game ban by Conmebol following the team’s tardy return to the pitch Tuesday

It seems Argentina’s late winner against Chile wasn’t the only thing that kept fans waiting. 

Head coach Lionel Scaloni won’t lead his team onto the pitch as the Albiceleste takes on Peru in its final Copa America group stage clash. The beloved Scaloneta namesake has been banned for one match by Conmebol after the players took too long to return to the field in their game against Chile on Tuesday.

The South American football federation announced the ban on Friday, along with a US$15,000 fine for the Argentine Football Association. The sanction comes as the authorities have found Argentina responsible for breaching articles 104 and 145 of the Copa America rulebook, which state that teams must be present on the field on time for kick-off and when returning from the half-time break. As head coach, Scaloni is held responsible for any delays.

The late start investigated by Conmebol occurred in Argentina’s game against Chile, their second in the tournament, which ended in a 1-0 win by the Albiceleste. The statement warns that a harsher punishment could come their way if it happens again.

Scaloni wasn’t the only one punished. Argentine coach Ricardo Gareca, currently managing the Chilean national team, got an identical ban for delays in the same game. The two are the first and, so far, the only bosses to get a ban in the Copa America. With time delays often going unpunished, it has prompted furious fans to complain about fairness.

It’s not the first time the Argentina camp has been accused of tardy returns to play. During its debut game against Canada on June 26, the team took over 20 minutes to return to the pitch following the half-time whistle. The rulebook states the break should take no more than 15.

That sparked the ire of Canada boss Jesse Marsch, who suggested Argentina should be fined for the delay. “How late were they? You guys? 20 minutes? 30? I don’t know. It was a long time. But they had that time to prepare how they wanted to play against us in the second half,” said Marsch in his press conference.

Argentina takes on Peru on Saturday to wrap up its group stage games, having already secured a spot in the quarter finals. The team only needs a draw to secure first place. Scaloni’s ban allows him to attend the game in the stands, but he won’t be able to take his usual spot on the bench or talk to the team directly in the dressing room. Assistant coach Pablo Aimar is expected to take his place in working directly with the team.

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