JAVIER MASCHERANO begged officials to implement an incredible rule change during Argentina Under-20s’ clash with Bolivia.
The former Liverpool, West Ham and Barcelona star now coaches the Argentine Under-20s, having hung up his boots in 2020.
Over the weekend, his side hosted Bolivia in a friendly match.
Argentina took an early lead, before things threatened to get ugly for their visitors.
After 13 minutes, Bolivia’s Nathan Tito was red carded for a challenge from behind on Lautaro Millan.
As Millan, who plays his club football for Independiente, was treated by medical staff, Tito trudged off the pitch.
Rather than play against 10 men, however, Mascherano was determined for the friendly match to remain 11 vs 11.
In incredible footage, the 40-year-old could be seen pleading with the referee and fourth official to allow Bolivia to bring a substitute on for Tito.
Amazingly his wish was granted, with the visitors allowed to carry on with a full compliment of players.
The unusual incident was later cleared up by the local broadcast.
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A statement read: “It has just been agreed between both delegations, at the request of coach Mascherano, that Bolivia introduces another player to ensure the match stays balanced at 11-a-side.”
As it happened, being allowed to continue with 11 players didn’t do Bolivia much good, as they still went on to lose 4-0.
But fans loved Mascherano’s gesture.
One wrote on social media: “Man cares more about coaching his team properly than getting an easy win. Elite mentality.”
While a second gushed: “Smart guy, cares more about coaching than winning a friendly.”
A third added: “Fair shout in a friendly isn’t it, you want to be tested otherwise there’s no point.”
Argentina are currently preparing to compete at the South American U20 Championship in January.
Mascherano will be hoping to improve his side’s fortunes in Venezuela, after they failed to make it out of the group stage last time around.
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