A controversial referee, Carlos Betancur, is set to officiate the match between Boca Juniors and Barcelona SC in Ecuador. This clash is crucial for Boca’s quest to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores knockout stage.
Background on Carlos Betancur
Betancur is a Colombian referee with a contentious history. He previously officiated a Copa Libertadores Sub-20 final involving Boca Juniors and Flamengo. In that match, he faced criticism for not penalizing a harsh tackle by Flamengo’s Lucyan on Boca’s Jerónimo Campos.
- Match: Boca Juniors vs. Flamengo (Copa Libertadores Sub-20 Final)
- Tackle Incident: Lucyan’s brutal challenge on Campos
- Outcome of the Match: Boca Juniors lost 2-1
During that game, many on Boca’s bench called for Lucyan’s expulsion, but Betancur did not penalize the incident as a foul. His lenient approach during the match raised eyebrows, particularly given that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene.
Statistics and Experience
Despite this controversial backdrop, Betancur’s experience in international matches is limited. He has officiated just nine Copa Libertadores matches. His record includes notable games in Colombian local tournaments, with a mix of outcomes involving Argentine teams:
| Team | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Racing | Win |
| Newell’s | Win |
| San Lorenzo | Draw |
| Barracas Central | Draw |
Upcoming Match Details
Boca Juniors, fresh from their arrival in Guayaquil, will face Barcelona SC tonight at 21:00 at the Monumental Banco Pichincha. This match is pivotal as Boca aims to improve their standing in the Copa Libertadores.
With Betancur officiating, there is uncertainty surrounding how the game will unfold. Boca Juniors supporters will be keenly watching his decisions, hoping for a fair contest.
