FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero was slapped with a two-game suspension by current club Boca Juniors and issued a groveling apology after “losing his mind” with a fan.
Romero, 37, was involved in an altercation after Boca’s 1-0 loss at home to bitter rivals River Plate, which saw ex-West Ham ace Manuel Lanzini scoring the winner.
4
4
The heated Superclasico saw a total of nine yellow cards being shown by referee Nicolas Ramirez, while Cristian Lema was sent off in the 12th minute of stoppage time when wild scenes ensued.
Lema was given a second yellow card for dissent after Boca‘s late equaliser was cancelled out by a VAR check that concluded the ball touched Milton Gimenez’s hand before crossing the line.
But it was Romero who made headlines after the full-time whistle due to a furious confrontation with a home fan.
The ex-Argentina international had to be restrained by club officials after he exchanged heated words with the Boca supporter, who expressed his frustration.
Team-mate Leandro Brey eventually managed to pull Romero away as fans continued to hurl abuse at the team and missiles in his direction.
That didn’t sit well with the Argentinian giants as they banned the ex-Man Utd player for the next two games against Cordoba and Argentinos Juniors, while a fine also looks imminent.
Boca issued the following statement: “The decision has been made that our player Sergio Romero will not be called up for the next two matches we have to play (against Belgrano and Argentinos Juniors).
“We also want to let you know that the three supporters who caused the aforementioned incident have been identified and that the corresponding measures will be applied to them.”
Boca added: “Our Club must be a big family, made up of fans, players, employees and directors.
“Therefore, we all owe each other mutual respect at all times and be united for the good of the Club, enjoying sport and the competitions in which Boca participates, encouraging and participating together, in peace and harmony.”
Romero claims the fan swore at him but apologised to both the club as well as the supporter.
However, the Argentine insists he was “wrong” as the audience have the “right to express themselves”.
Romero said: “I want to offer my apologies to the Boca fans for the situation at the end.
“When the guy was swearing at me, I lost my mind.
“None of us go out to play a game to lose it, we wanted to win it as much as they did and it didn’t happen. I couldn’t think at that moment, I lost my mind.
“I apologise to the Boca fan, I was wrong with my reaction, I should have let it go and left. They have the right to express themselves.”
