Mexican referee suspended for 6 months for taking Messi’s autograph
According to ESPN, the suspension arises from Ortiz requesting the Argentine forward’s autograph after a match.
Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz has been suspended from officiating CONCACAF matches for six months following an incident involving Lionel Messi, the star player of Inter Miami and an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
According to ESPN, the suspension arises from Ortiz requesting the Argentine forward's autograph after a match. Inter Miami secured a 1-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with Messi netting the only goal in the 56th minute.
After the final whistle, Ortiz approached Messi for an autograph. Despite admitting his mistake and offering an apology, CONCACAF ruled that his actions violated their ethical code for officials.
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Reports suggest that Ortiz remains eligible to officiate in the Mexican league. However, he could face stricter sanctions should he commit a similar offence in the future.
