The Mexican Football Federation dropped the hammeron Tigres’ sidelined goalie, Nahuel Guzmán, hitting him with an 11-game suspension. His offense? Brandishing a distracting laser pointer aimed at Esteban Andrada, the opposing goalkeeper, during an intense 3-3 showdown against Monterrey.
In a bold statement released Thursday, the nation’s soccer governing body emphasized the gravity of the situation: “The sanctions imposed should serve as a landmark moment in our sport, setting a clear precedent for players, managers, and fans alike.”
Following the laser pointer debacle, Guzman found himself not only slapped with an 11-game suspension but also hit with a fine and community service hours to boot. And he wasn’t alone in feeling the sting of repercussions – Tigres, Monterrey, and Andrada were also handed fines, with Andrada himself facing disciplinary action for a social media post he made in response to the incident.
A viral video making the rounds on social media captured Guzman, seated in the stands, wielding a laser pointer directed onto the field during the intense Liga MX draw in Guadalupe.
The federation wasted no time launching an investigation into the goalie’s antics, announcing it on Monday. Tigres, not one to let the matter slide, also announced their intention to fine Guzman.
In the wake of the uproar, Guzman took to social media on Sunday to issue a public apology, revealing he had also extended a private apology for the incident, which transpired in the first half of the heated draw.
As the dust settles, Tigres braces for their upcoming clash against Necaxa in another Liga MX showdown scheduled for 9:05 p.m. EDT on Saturday in San Nicolas de los Garza. Sitting at No. 7 in the Liga MX standings, Tigres is keen to bounce back. Meanwhile, Monterrey, ranked at No. 3, eyes the top spot, currently held by Club America, closely followed by Toluca in second place.
