River Plate considers sanction for Kendry Páez over alleged mockery of elimination

River Plate is reportedly weighing disciplinary actions against two players, Ecuadorian Kendry Páez and Paraguayan Matías Galarza, following their team's elimination from the Copa Sudamericana. The controversy stems from social media posts made by the players shortly after the match, which have been widely interpreted by Argentine fans and media as mockery.

Both Páez and Galarza are currently separated from River Plate's main squad. Kendry Páez allegedly posted a grimacing emoji (😬) on his Instagram story with a black background shortly after River's penalty shootout loss to Independiente Santa Fe on August 26. Although he did not directly mention the club or the match, the timing of the post led many to view it as a sarcastic reaction to the team's exit from the tournament.

Adding to the controversy, Páez later deleted the story and posted a photo of himself training. Meanwhile, his father, Ray Páez, also made a social media post that included emojis of chickens, a symbol often used derisively towards River Plate. This further fueled the perception of disrespect towards the club.

Matías Galarza also contributed to the online stir by sharing a photograph of himself scoring a penalty against Manuel Neuer during Paraguay's victory over Germany in the 2026 World Cup. This post, appearing immediately after River's penalty shootout defeat, was also seen in Argentina as an indirect taunt.

The actions of both players have reportedly caused discontent within the River Plate institution, prompting the club's management to consider appropriate sanctions. The club is evaluating the situation to address what is perceived as a lack of respect from players who are already training separately from the first team.