After the match that Deportivo Pereira won 2-1 against the Águilas Doradas team that was played at the Hernán Ramírez Villegas, Leonel Álvarez, coach of the Matecañas, reported an attack against one of his assistants.
After an intense battle on the field of play that culminated in Deportivo Pereira’s 2-1 victory over Águilas Doradas, a shadow of controversy and violence darkened the match. Pereira coach Leonel Álvarez made a shocking complaint during the post-match press conference, accusing Uruguayan defender Joaquín Varela, of the rival team, of attacking Pereira’s technical assistant, Professor Rubén Darío Bedoya.
According to Álvarez’s statements, the attack occurred at the end of the match, when Varela allegedly slapped technical assistant Bedoya three times. Visibly affected, Álvarez expressed his dismay and demanded that the Uruguayan player’s behavior be investigated and punished.
«It makes me sad and I even put the name, Joaquín Varela, because man, how is he going to finish a game and he goes and slaps my assistant three times. Here they give love, affection, to everyone, to foreigners, but if not that is not right, they are being given work, a salary so that the family can live well and they leave a game to attack a rival, “That should not be done, it cannot be allowed,” said Álvarez, visibly dismayed by what happened.
This incident has generated a stir in the world of Colombian football, highlighting the need to maintain integrity and respect in the sport. So far, there has been no official response from the Uruguayan player or the Águilas Doradas press office.
🚨 The strong complaint from the technician @DeporPereiraFCLeonel Álvarez, against defender Joaquín Varela 🇺🇾 @Golden Eagles 🔊🔊 pic.twitter.com/EnBt2C5qBu
— Mauricio Gómez Buriticá (@elmago_b) March 18, 2024
It is important to remember that Joaquín Varela arrived in Colombia with an outstanding record, having previously played for Independiente Medellín and playing for several important clubs such as Atlético Nacional, before joining Águilas Doradas for the 2024 season.
Meanwhile, Deportivo Pereira, the tournament leader, celebrated its victory over Águilas Doradas with goals from Faber Gil and Yeison Suárez. For its part, Águilas Doradas scored its only goal through Agustín Vuletich.
In the midst of this controversy, the teams prepare for the next confrontations. Águilas Doradas will host Santa Fe at the Alberto Grisales, while Pereira will visit Deportes Tolima at the Manuel Murillo Toro. Uncertainty about the disciplinary actions that could be taken against Joaquín Varela remains latent, while Colombian football faces a crucial challenge to maintain integrity and sportsmanship.