Escapes major sanction: Kevin Altez learns penalty for confronting referee

Huachipato's Uruguayan midfielder Kevin Altez has been handed a four-match suspension by the ANFP's Disciplinary Tribunal following his expulsion during a recent match against Cobresal. The incident occurred during the 16th round of the league.

Altez was at risk of a more severe penalty, potentially up to 10 games, due to a tense exchange with referee Héctor Jona. While television replays suggested the player might have headbutted the official, the referee's report clarified that no physical contact was made. Jona described the player's reaction as "defiant" and an "intimidating" head movement towards his face, but without impact.

This ruling means Altez will be unavailable for Huachipato's upcoming fixtures against Universidad de Chile, Everton, Palestino, and Deportes Limache. The suspension represents a significant blow for the Talcahuano-based club as they navigate the remainder of the season.

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With both of us facing each other, the player reacted defiantly, making a brusque forward movement with his head in my direction, in an intimidating attitude, without making physical contact with me. Consequently, I proceeded to expel him.