Medellín suffered a costly setback in their Apertura 2026 campaign as midfielder Francisco Chaverra was sent off in the 27th minute of their match against Deportivo Pereira. The dismissal came shortly after Marco Pérez opened the scoring for the visitors, and significantly hampered El Poderoso’s ability to respond.
Red Card and its Immediate Impact
The incident began with a counterattack initiated by Yuber Quiñones of Pereira. Chaverra attempted to halt the play with a challenge from behind, but his tackle was deemed dangerous by referee Andrés Rojas. Initially, Chaverra received a yellow card, but a subsequent VAR review revealed a clear stomp on Pérez’s Achilles tendon. Rojas overturned the initial decision and issued a straight red card, leaving Medellín to play the remaining hour with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the match continued, with the goal standing. The red card occurred almost immediately after Pérez’s goal, compounding the blow for Alejandro Restrepo’s side. The incident disrupted the game plan Restrepo had meticulously prepared for the match.
The Controversy Surrounding “La Chaverrinha”
While this particular dismissal stemmed from a dangerous tackle, Chaverra has recently been a figure of controversy in Colombian football. He, along with Néiser Villarreal of Millonarios, has drawn criticism for performing a showy move – standing on the ball – that has been dubbed “La Chaverrinha.” This act, seen by some as harmless flair, has been widely condemned as provocative and unsportsmanlike.
In late March 2025, the Colombian Football Federation’s Arbitration Commission issued a directive to referees: any player who stands on the ball will now be shown a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct, and an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. This ruling came after considerable debate and several incidents, including a near-brawl sparked by Villarreal’s execution of the move during a match against Santa Fe.
The commission’s decision, as explained by former referee José Borda, was intended to put an end to the controversy and enforce Law 12 of the FIFA regulations, which prohibits actions intended to ridicule or provoke opponents. While the red card against Chaverra on , wasn’t directly related to “La Chaverrinha,” it adds to a narrative of disciplinary issues surrounding the player.
Fan Reaction and Broader Criticism
Chaverra’s dismissal was met with audible disapproval from the home fans at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium. Discontent with the midfielder has been building in recent weeks, with supporters expressing their frustration on social media and even directly confronting him in public. Many have labeled him as “lazy,” criticizing his lack of defensive effort and perceived lack of commitment to the team.
The criticism extends beyond his on-field actions. Fans have accused Chaverra of playing without awareness of the game’s context and failing to contribute effectively to the team’s overall strategy. This negative sentiment likely contributed to the boos he received as he left the pitch following his sending-off.
A Rapid Dismissal in the Apertura
Chaverra’s red card was the fifth-fastest dismissal in the Apertura 2026 tournament as of . Faster dismissals occurred in matches involving Junior Hernández (Tolima – 4 minutes), Yony González (Medellín – 7 minutes), Sebastián Rodríguez (Cúcuta – 16 minutes), and Nicolás Gil (Pasto – 26 minutes). This highlights a trend of quick disciplinary action in the early stages of the season.
The early sending-off against Pereira undoubtedly impacted Medellín’s chances of securing a positive result. While the team had created some scoring opportunities prior to the incident, playing with ten men for the majority of the match presented a significant challenge. The loss further complicates their position in the Apertura standings and raises questions about their ability to compete consistently against top opponents.
The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between skillful play and reckless behavior in football. For Chaverra, it’s a costly lesson learned, and one that could have ramifications for his future with Medellín, particularly given the growing dissatisfaction among the club’s supporters.
