In a heated controversy surrounding the officiating in Liga MX, former referee Felipe Ramos Rizo has accused the Comisión de Árbitros of deceiving both the league and its fans following their response to the Club Universidad, commonly known as Pumas, regarding the refereeing of Ismael Rosario López Peñuelas during their match against Monterrey on March 16, 2025. Ramos Rizo’s critical remarks were made through his official social media account, where he asserted, "Casi perfecto: después de la investigación realizada por la comisión de árbitros resulta que el arbitraje del Sr. López en el @PumasMX Vs Monterrey fue casi perfecto". He contended that only one error was identified in what he deemed a flawed officiating performance.
Following the match at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, the Pumas expressed their deep frustration regarding the referee’s performance, feeling that it significantly impacted their game. In a letter posted on social media, they emphasized their demand for a review of crucial plays that they claimed harmed their chances of winning. The statement read, "El Club Universidad Nacional expresa su más profundo rechazo y malestar por el arbitraje de hoy, tanto en cancha como en el VAR," indicating their unwillingness to remain silent about poor officiating.
Ramos Rizo, echoing the sentiments of many within the soccer community, questioned the prevailing "bajo nivel arbitral" (low level of officiating) in Mexican soccer. He criticized the commission for what he sees as a longstanding issue where they defend the indefensible. This consistent pattern, he suggests, is only changed when the Comisión de Árbitros enhances their training, instruction, and the operation of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee).
In terms of specifics, the Comisión de Árbitros supported the majority of López's decisions while acknowledging only one significant mistake: the failure to expel Sergio Ramos of Monterrey for an aggressive act against Pumas' Pablo Benevendo. They argued that the penalty awarded against Pumas was justified and justified their calls during the match. However, despite some confusion regarding offside and other tactical errors, the review determined that López's decisions were largely correct.
The backlash didn’t stop with the refereeing decisions. The Comisión Disciplinaria del Futbol Mexicano also took action against Pumas, imposing a financial sanction against the club for public complaints regarding officiating standards, claiming they violated article 70 inciso c) of the Reglamento de Sanciones, which mandates respect in official statements. This led Ramos Rizo to question the fairness of punishing the Pumas while allowing the commission to freely publicize their responses.
In related news, the aftermath of the match saw a significant penalty handed down to Sergio Ramos, who received a one-match suspension for violent conduct towards Guillermo Martínez. Willie González from Canal 6 Deportes reported that Pumas was particularly incensed by the decision to only suspend Ramos for one match, with several pundits arguing that he should face a more severe punishment. Gonzales noted, "Sergio Ramos, el jugador español de la pandilla del cerro de la silla, solo le dieron un partido por la patada al Memote. Los Pumas obviamente se molestaron mucho"
This one-match suspension means Ramos will miss the next crucial game against Xolos de Tijuana but will be available for their encounter against Chivas in Jornada 14. Fans and analysts alike have expressed frustration at the leniency of the sanctions, insisting that such aggressive actions should entail more serious consequences.
As the league moves forward, the quality of officiating remains under scrutiny. Ramos Rizo's comments about the need for improved training and standards for referees signal a demand for transformation that many hope will elevate the overall standard of football in Mexico, ensuring that players and teams receive the fair representation and enforcement of rules necessary for a competitive league.
The incidents surrounding the Pumas-Monterrey match serve as a delicate reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Liga MX and its regulatory bodies, prompting thoughtful discussions about the future efficacy of refereeing and the need for accountability in sports officiating.
Without improvements, the current trends of criticism from both fans and players may continue to cloud the integrity and progress of Mexico's beloved sport.
