Goalkeeper's bizarre handball earns straight red in Nacional's loss

Alexis Martín Arias, formerly of Cerro Porteño, endured a "terror" of a second match for Nacional, marked by a bizarre error that resulted in his direct expulsion. The incident, which has gone viral on social media, occurred during the Torneo Intermedio in Uruguayan football.

In the 53rd minute of the match against Montevideo Wanderers, the Argentine goalkeeper rushed out of his area to intercept a long ball. However, an unexpected bounce deceived him, and Arias instinctively controlled the ball with his left arm. International referee Andrés Matonte, positioned close to the play, immediately issued a straight red card, deeming that Arias had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity to opponent Facundo Lavandeira.

The expulsion proved costly for Jorge Bava's team, who were already trailing 1-0 at home. Nacional ultimately lost the match 2-1 at the Gran Parque Central. This setback leaves the team stagnant in third place in Group B of the tournament, now trailing the group leaders, Montevideo Wanderers, by two points.