Garnero Slams Refereeing After Loss: 'Do You Think I'm His Subordinate?'

Universidad Católica's head coach, Daniel Garnero, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the officiating following his team's 1-2 defeat against Ñublense at the Claro Arena. Garnero particularly lamented the early expulsion of midfielder Fernando Zuqui, which he believes significantly altered the match's trajectory. He argued that the foul, which occurred just five minutes into the game, did not warrant such a severe punishment.

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It was very important in the course of the game. (...) I think expelling a player after five minutes has to be something very serious. That seemed like an inconsequential play to me and it ended up being important in the game.

Garnero questioned the inconsistency in refereeing decisions, pointing out that a similar foul committed against another player, Justo Giani, went unpunished. He expressed frustration with the "new regulations" and the perceived lack of clear criteria, stating, "A hand yes, a hand no. And who determines it? The referee, because it's called to the referee." This inconsistency, he suggested, is a source of annoyance for coaches and players alike.

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A stomp is part of the game. (...) Justo (Giani) was stepped on, nothing happened. Those are the things that these new regulations have that bother. The lack of criteria. A hand yes, a hand no. And who determines it? The referee, because it's called to the referee.

The coach also recounted an incident involving Matías Palavecino, who received a yellow card after a verbal exchange with the referee. Garnero described the referee's demeanor as arrogant, questioning his authority and role. "He told me 'get out because I'm cautioning you,' because that's how they are. You'd have to put a little microphone on them. Such arrogance..." Garnero stated, before adding, "Is he thinking I'm his subordinate? He looks at me... he wants to challenge me at every turn. He's a football referee. He's not the authority, you know? He's a referee. He has to officiate and he has to call correctly."

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He told me 'get out because I'm cautioning you,' because that's how they are. You'd have to put a little microphone on them. Such arrogance...

Despite the contentious officiating, Garnero urged his team to move past the disappointment. "Obviously, there won't be a good mood, but it has to last until tomorrow so we can continue with the very difficult and important match we have on Wednesday (against Coquimbo)," he concluded. The team now focuses on their upcoming fixture, aiming to put the controversial loss behind them.

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Is he thinking I'm his subordinate? He looks at me... he wants to challenge me at every turn. He's a football referee. He's not the authority, you know? He's a referee. He has to officiate and he has to call correctly.