Referee's blunder: Boca Juniors kick off twice in Copa Sudamericana match

Chilean referee Piero Maza committed a notable error during the Copa Sudamericana match between Boca Juniors and Argentinos Juniors. The match, which was the first leg of the round of 16, saw Boca Juniors incorrectly take kick-offs from the center circle at the beginning of both halves.

Typically, after the initial kick-off to start the game, the opposing team takes the subsequent kick-off to restart play after halftime. However, in this instance, Boca Juniors initiated the play from the center circle at the start of the first half and again at the start of the second half.

Following the match, Boca Juniors captain Leandro Paredes acknowledged the team's awareness of the situation. "Yes, we realized we kicked off twice. The referee said 'Boca kicks off' and we kicked off," Paredes stated, confirming the team followed the referee's instructions despite the irregularity.

The error by Maza has drawn attention in the context of the Copa Sudamericana tournament, highlighting a lapse in officiating during a crucial stage of the competition.

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Yes, we realized we kicked off twice. The referee said 'Boca kicks off' and we kicked off.