Jose facing 15-game ban for Uruguay elbow storm
URUGUAY defender Jose Gimenez could be hit with a 15-game suspension after he appeared to elbow a FIFA official in the wake of his nation’s controversial exit from the World Cup.
The South Americans were tipped by many to progress into the knockout stages of the tournament but Diego Alonso’s side struggled to live up to expectations in Qatar, where they scored just twice in three games.
After banking a solitary point from their opening two group games, Uruguay knew they needed to beat Ghana to progress from Group H – but what they didn’t bank on was South Korea beating Portugal, a result that sent the South Americans to an early exit.
The match was marred by refereeing controversy and ugly scenes as news began to filter out about the South Korea result.
Several Uruguay stars, including Gimenez, were incensed after ref Daniel Siebert failed to award a late penalty when Edinson Cavani tumbled in the box.
After learning that they were out of the tournament on goal difference, Gimenez and his team-mates vented their frustrations at the referee as he left the pitch at full-time. While others ranted, Gimenez could find himself in hot water after allegedly elbowing a FIFA official in the back of the head during his attempts to confront Siebert.
The irate Atletico Madrid star had to be held back by his own team-mates and the 27-year-old could face a lengthy ban if his post-match meltdown is reported to FIFA.
Gimenez also unleashed an X-rated tirade down a nearby TV camera after the late controversy as he fumed: “They (the referees) are all a bunch of thieves these sons of b***hes. Yes, record me. Son of a b***h.”
Cavani also appeared to strike a VAR monitor as he left the pitch.