Di María stars in 5-0 rout as VAR audio reveals red card mistake

Rosario Central thrashed Independiente Rivadavia 5-0 in an attacking masterclass that keeps them top of the Liga Profesional. The match, from the 12th round of the Clausura, was defined by Ángel Di María's performance and the release of VAR audio revealing a key officiating error.

Ángel Di María opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 11th minute and scored again in the 57th, delivering a decisive display. Jáminton Campaz, Fausto Copetti and Marco Ruben completed the rout, with Di María involved in all five goals.

The red card mistake

The match had a controversial moment in the 37th minute of the first half, when referee Facundo Tello sent off Alex Arce after a VAR review. The audio released by the Liga Profesional 24 hours later captures Tello telling technology operator José Carreras: "Tiene marcada la cara... Fijate por favor, me parece que erré.". After checking the monitor, he upgraded the initial yellow to a straight red.

Ávila's scare

Defender Gastón Ávila suffered a craniofacial trauma following an aerial collision. The club's official medical report confirmed the player experienced hypotension, dizziness, nausea and an intense headache, and was taken to the Sanatorio Mapaci emergency room for evaluation. He remains under observation.

Di María, who has 10 goals in 25 appearances this season, praised the team effort. "Salió todo redondo, creo que lo merecíamos," the player said. "Hay que seguir por este camino. Sacamos adelante un partido que era muy importante."

The next challenge is an away trip to face Atlético Tucumán on October 17th, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak.

First reported at Clarin Deportes