Enzo Pérez Sent Off After Controversial Gesture to Referee in Primera Nacional Match

Veteran midfielder Enzo Pérez experienced a frustrating evening in Salta, Argentina, receiving a red card in the 76th minute of a Primera Nacional match between Deportivo Maipú and Gimnasia y Tiro. The expulsion stemmed from a gesture Pérez made towards referee Gastón Monsón Brizuela, escalating the already tense atmosphere of the game.

The incident began when the referee awarded a penalty to Gimnasia y Tiro for a foul by Nicolás Fernández on Walter Montoya. Although the initial penalty kick was saved by Deportivo Maipú's goalkeeper Nahuel Galardi, the referee ordered a retake due to the goalkeeper allegedly moving off his line prematurely. Lautaro Gordillo successfully converted the second attempt, putting Gimnasia y Tiro ahead.

This decision immediately sparked protests from the Deportivo Maipú players. After another player received a red card for verbal excess, Pérez approached the referee to argue the call. As he turned to leave the field, Pérez made a "theft" gesture, which the referee noticed and promptly sent him off. Pérez continued his vociferous complaints as he exited the pitch, visibly angry about the referee's decisions.

The expulsion marks a difficult moment for the 40-year-old Pérez, who recently returned to his boyhood club, Deportivo Maipú, after rescinding his contract with Argentinos Juniors. He had started the match in Salta, but was unable to complete the game due to the red card.