Referee sends away six players and Boca coach

The Argentine soccer classic between River Plate and Boca Juniors turned into a vulgar brawl Sunday night. After watching back the VAR footage, referee Darío Herrera decided not to take half-measures and handed out six red cards.

The hotly contested Superclásico ignited in injury time, when home team River Plate took the lead from a penalty kick. While goal scorer Miguel Borja unsuspectingly celebrated at the corner flag, players from both teams got into a fight with each other.

The brawl seemed to ensue after Boca goalkeeper Sergio Romero, former AZ, was sought out by someone from River. Then players stormed in from all corners, after which total chaos ensued. The pushing and pulling went on for minutes. Stewards and even police officers came onto the field to break up the brawling parties.

Referee Herrera took an extended look at the VAR screen when calm had returned somewhat and sent away three troublemakers from both teams. Boca coach Jorge Almirón also received a red card.

River Plate is firmly in the lead due to the win over the archrival, while Boca is struggling in the mid-table.

The incident in Argentina is not unique. A few months ago, during the Trofeo de Campeones match between Boca Juniors and Racing Club, ten players received red after a brawl.

Boca then ended the game with six players on the field. As a result, Racing Club recorded a regulation victory.