¡Escándalo en el Clausura! Las brutales sanciones que hunden a Maravilla y Orlando Gill
Big Punishments Handed Out: Racing’s Star Striker and San Lorenzo’s Goalkeeper Suspended
What Happened? The Simple Version
Imagine a teacher giving out detention slips after a chaotic week at school. That’s basically what just happened in Argentine football! The AFA Disciplinary Tribunal (think of them as the "principal’s office" for pro soccer) released their official report for the latest round of the Torneo Clausura 2026. Two big names are in big trouble: Adrián "Maravilla" Martínez from Racing and Orlando Gill from San Lorenzo.
The Two Headline Cases
1. "Maravilla" Martínez (Racing) — Three Games Out!
What did he do?
Last Sunday, during Racing’s 2-1 loss to Argentinos Juniors, Martínez threw an elbow (a "codazo") right into the face of opponent Kevin Gutiérrez. The referee saw it and showed him a straight red card.The Verdict:
Under Article 13, Section 1.e of the Disciplinary Code (the rulebook for bad behavior), he got a three-match suspension.Why it hurts Racing:
- He’s their top scorer ("goleador").
- Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda now has to figure out who scores goals without him.
- Worst timing ever: Racing’s next huge game is the clásico against Boca Juniors.
2. Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo) — Provisional Suspension + Chance to Explain
What did he do?
Last Saturday, in the classic against Huracán at the Nuevo Gasómetro, Gill headbutted Lucas Blondel right after Huracán scored their first goal. Red card. Shower early.The Verdict (for now):
- He’s suspended provisionally (effective immediately).
- He can submit a written defense within the allowed timeframe.
- A final decision on how many games he misses will come later.
Impact on San Lorenzo:
Coach Néstor "Pipo" Gorosito will have to keep trusting backup keeper José Devecchi for at least one more match.
Other Suspensions in the Top Flight (Primera División)
| Person | Team | Role | Punishment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matías Ballini | Gimnasia de Mendoza | Coach (DT) | 1 match away from the bench OR pay a fine of $1,050,000 pesos |
| Santiago Longo | Belgrano | Player | 1 match |
| Guillermo Sánchez | Belgrano | Player | 1 match |
| Jerónimo Russo | Newell’s Old Boys | Player | 1 match |
Good News in the Second Division (Primera Nacional)
Enzo Pérez — Ban Reduced, Classic Approved!
- Original punishment: 3 matches for a "fit of rage" incident at Deportivo Maipú.
- New ruling: Tribunal reduced it to time already served.
- Result: He CAN play in the upcoming Mendoza clásico against Godoy Cruz. Huge relief for his team and fans!
Key Takeaways (Important Points)
CALLOUT BOX — REMEMBER THESE!
- Maravilla Martínez misses 3 games, including the Boca vs. Racing clásico.
- Orlando Gill is suspended for now but can write his defense; Devecchi starts for San Lorenzo.
- Enzo Pérez is FREE to play the Mendoza clásico — his ban was cut short.
- Several other players and one coach in Primera División sit out one game each.
Summary: The Week in Discipline
- Tribunal met after the latest matchday of Clausura 2026.
- Two red-card incidents led to major headlines: an elbow (Martínez) and a headbutt (Gill).
- Martínez gets a fixed 3-game ban — no appeal mentioned, it’s done.
- Gill gets a provisional ban — final length TBD after he submits his written defense.
- Minor bans for four other Primera División figures (1 game each, or fine for coach).
- Enzo Pérez catches a break in Primera Nacional — ban reduced, cleared for the big local derby.
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
What is the "Tribunal de Disciplina"?
It’s the official committee of the AFA (Argentine Football Association) that reviews red cards, bad behavior, and other rule-breaking after each matchday. They decide how many games a player or coach must sit out.
Why does Maravilla miss exactly three games?
The rulebook (Article 13, 1.e) sets a standard penalty for "aggression" like an elbow to the face. The Tribunal applied that standard — no more, no less.
What does "suspended provisionally" mean for Gill?
He can’t play right now. But he gets a chance to send in a written explanation ("defensa por escrito"). After reading it, the Tribunal will decide the final number of games.
Can Racing or San Lorenzo appeal these decisions?
The article doesn’t mention appeals for Martínez (his seems final). For Gill, the written defense is part of the process. Usually, clubs can appeal final rulings to a higher body, but that’s a separate step.
Why was Enzo Pérez’s ban reduced?
The Tribunal reviewed his case (a "furious reaction" at Maipú) and decided the initial 3-game ban was too harsh. They ruled the time he’d already missed was enough punishment.
Stay tuned — the drama continues this weekend with Racing vs. Boca and the Mendoza clásico!