Mascherano Defends Himself After Red Card: Leagues Cup Rules and Actions in the Match

Mascherano Clarifies Situation After Red Card in the Leagues Cup

Inter Miami’s technical director, Javier Mascherano, has come forward to clarify the circumstances surrounding his expulsion in the Leagues Cup quarter-final match against Tigres UANL. Mascherano, who received a red card, was seen in the VIP stands using his mobile phone to communicate with the video analyst team. In the match, Inter Miami achieved a 2-1 victory over Tigres, advancing to the tournament’s semifinals without Lionel Messi, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. The next challenge will be against Orlando City on August 27. Mascherano’s expulsion occurred before the start of the second half, after an argument with the fourth official about the added time at the end of the first half.

“There was a discussion at the end of the first half, where the referee gave four minutes of stoppage time and six were played. We argued with the fourth official. I didn’t insult him, but I did argue vehemently,” commented Mascherano.

Javier Mascherano

The coach defended himself by stating that he complied with the Leagues Cup rules by being in the stands and communicating with the video analysis team.

“I didn’t break any rules. I could have been in a box because it’s part of the stands, and I didn’t sit in a box, that is, I could have been next to the bench, in the box next to the owners. I could sit because it’s part of, let’s say, it’s not my fault how the stadium is set up,” he explained.

Javier Mascherano

A Leagues Cup representative confirmed that Mascherano did not violate any rules by sitting in the stands or communicating with the video analysis team via his phone. Mascherano will miss the semi-final at Chase Stadium due to the initial red card, but it has not yet been determined if he will have to miss additional matches.

Lionel Messi will miss Saturday’s match against D.C. United due to an ongoing injury. “I was on the phone with the video analysts. But I’ll tell you one thing, it’s very common in today’s football for video analysts to communicate with the bench,” added Mascherano. The coach also clarified his decision to be in the stands.

“I went, I sat in the upper stand. Now, because of the proximity, it suited me to be there. If the team needed me there, yes. And if my players and my team need me, I will be there and I will pay the price, no problem. But I will always be available for what my players need. And I felt that my players at that moment needed me to be there, but nothing more than that. I did not fail to fulfill my obligations because we asked the Leagues Cup if I could sit there and the Leagues Cup told me yes, they are the stands, let’s say they are the stands, now a little higher, a little lower, that is irrelevant, I chose to be closer,” he explained.

Javier Mascherano

Meanwhile, Inter Miami prepares for the next match against D.C. United on Saturday at Audi Field, without Messi. Mascherano confirmed that the Argentinian star will not travel to Washington due to the muscle injury, prioritizing the Leagues Cup match. Also, Jordi Alba is unlikely to travel, after suffering a knee injury in the quarter-final match against Tigres. Currently, Inter Miami is in fifth position in the MLS Eastern Conference with 45 points in 24 matches. The conference leader is FC Cincinnati, with 52 points in 27 matches. D.C. United, meanwhile, is in the last position of the conference, with 20 points and a streak of 11 matches without winning.