- Leon players protested America equaliser
- Referee Hernandez kneed Romero mid-brawl
- Has been handed 12-match ban
WHAT HAPPENED? The two sides met last Saturday night in a fiery Liga MX counter where the 2-2 scoreline matched the crazy scenes on the pitch. Diego Valdes' equaliser for America just after the hour-mark sparked an animated response from the away side, who demanded a VAR review. Leon's Lucas Romero got particularly close to Hernandez during the brawl that followed, which prompted the referee to unceremoniously knee the midfielder in the groin.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE: While no punishment could be offered at the time, a review undertaken by Mexico's top-flight has led to Hernandez being punished with a suspension of 12 matches for his actions, while Romero has been given a two-match ban for his role in the brawl.
WHAT THEY SAID?: The 12-match suspension comes despite Romero defending Hernandez after the game, as he told Mexican broadcaster TUDN: "Obviously [referees] are human beings, many times they can make mistakes and those mistakes end up developing what happened, a lot of misunderstandings."
However, Hernandez has since come out to apologise for his actions, saying in a statement: "To the fans and public in general, I offer an apology, as well as to Romero, for my reaction. I would never attack him or any other player. I am aware of this and I will abide by the decision of the Disciplinary Commission."
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Next Match
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT? Liga MX continues in Hernandez's absence. America will look to leapfrog Leon when they host first-placed Monterrey on Saturday night, while Leon will play Cruz Azul on the same day.