Referee Fernando Hernandez was part of one of the most bizarre incidents in Liga MX history with a video of him throwing his knee into Lucas Romero viral
One of the most remarkable incidents in Liga MX’s history was manufactured by referee Fernando Hernandez. Matchday 13 at Estadio Azteca featured a match between Club America and Leon. While officiating a Liga MX match between Club America and Leon, Fernando Hernandez lost his composure.
Tensions were high during the match as the two teams competed for a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League. Hernandez gained notoriety after purposefully hitting Lucas Romero in a game that ended in a thrilling 2-2 stalemate. The pictures were simply obscene.
Liga MX referee Fernando Hernandez hits Lucas Romero with knee, video goes viral
Leon was ahead and in control of the game when America scored 1-1 in a contentious play with a probable handball in minute 63. After the goal, referee Fernando Hernandez chose not to use VAR for a review, and the Leon players began to voice their displeasure by approaching Hernandez in person.
One of Leon’s players, Lucas Romero, abruptly dropped to the ground. The broadcasters on television believed Fernando Hernandez had made no contact, but a playback made it obvious that the referee had really kneed Romero. Naturally, the entire thing turned into a controversy in Mexico.
Lucas Romero receives a knee strike from official Fernando Hernandez.
Nothing could be clearer from the footage. After issuing Lucas Romero a yellow card for whining in front of Fernando Hernandez, the referee then intentionally knees the player.
¿Cómo calificar el rodillazo de Fernando Hernández a Lucas Romero del @clubleonfc? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/gscYIBiTkl
— Luis Omar Tapia (@LuisOmarTapia) April 2, 2023
The game proceeded after the scramble and concluded in a 2-2 tie. Unfortunately, the referee abruptly lost control of the game, and even the American Fernando Ortiz and the Leon coach Nicolas Larcamon nearly got into an altercation. Larcamon’s clothing was torn when he came to an end.
El Tano Ortíz vs Nicolás Larcamón.🔥 pic.twitter.com/AQTQQr7z4I
— "El Jefe" Águila (@ElJefeAguila) April 2, 2023
Liga MX has started a probe.
The inquiry into the incident, which has already been acknowledged by Liga MX, may have severe repercussions for Fernando Hernandez. The least suspension for the referee under Mexican regulations could be 15 games, and a full year’s ban is undoubtedly a possibility. FIFA might also revoke his international status.