Ball boy scandal sends Unión Española before disciplinary tribunal

Unión Española will appear before Chile’s ANFP Autonomous Disciplinary Tribunal over an unusual incident involving a ball boy during its 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Estadio Santa Laura.

The summons, included in the resolution for the Sept. 1 hearing, lists the club under the refereeing complaint category for ball attendants. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

The incident came in the 89th minute, as Unión Española pushed for an equalizer against the Talca side. A second ball appeared on the field during a home-team attack, and a Sub-16 ball boy entered to remove it. His intervention disrupted Unión Española’s offensive move, prompting referee Rodrigo Rivera to stop play and order the teenager off the pitch.

The scene quickly spread on social media and later appeared in the official match report. Unión Española must now submit its evidence and defense to the disciplinary body.

Rangers won with Junior Arias’ penalty in the 55th minute. The visitors played the final stages with 10 men after Damián González received a straight red card in the 73rd minute for serious foul play. The referee said González had struck an opponent’s heel with the sole of his foot, endangering the player’s physical safety.