The AFA Disciplinary Tribunal has imposed sanctions on Andrés Fassi, president of Talleres, suspending him for two years, and on Gustavo Gatti for six months. These disciplinary measures arose after an incident that occurred after a Copa Argentina match between Boca and the Córdoba team.
Merlos, the involved referee, defended his actions claiming that Fassi attempted to enter his dressing room with armed individuals. Fassi has vehemently denied such allegations, labeling them as a "total lie" and assuring that he and his group were not armed. The president of Talleres stated that Merlos reacted aggressively, even physically assaulting him outside the dressing room.
The vice president of Talleres, Gatti, also intervened in the situation and allegedly received a kick in the abdomen from Merlos. The Mendoza judiciary is investigating the complaint filed by Gatti, who was diagnosed with minor intentional injuries by the Forensic Medical Corps, including abrasions and bruises.
The Mendoza Public Prosecutor's Office No. 33 has charged referee Andrés Merlos with this alleged crime, and a hearing is expected on November 19. Merlos is prohibited from approaching or communicating with Gatti and other officials of Talleres as part of the precautionary measures imposed.
This scandal, which emerged in September, has generated tensions in Argentine football and has highlighted contradictory accounts between the parties involved. According to the prosecutor's office, Merlos allegedly kicked Gatti amid a heated discussion in the dressing rooms of the Malvinas Argentinas stadium, and the Talleres leader has provided evidence of the injuries suffered during the altercation.
