Manager handed THREE-YEAR ban for goal celebration that caused carnage

A manager has been banned from entering any Colombian stadium for three years, according to reports, after his 'exaggerated' celebrations sparked anger from supporters.

Efraín Juarez, who is the manager of Categoría Primera A side Atletico Nacional, is said to have 'provoked rival fans' after his side secured their place in the Colombian Cup final with victory over local rivals Independiente Medellin.

Juarez angered Medellin supporters when he 'celebrated enthusiastically' while looking towards the opposing stands. In fact, minutes later, a fight reportedly broke out in the terraces which ended with a pitch invasion.

According to Spanish publication La Opinion, the former Celtic midfielder 'angrily addressed the rival fans at the Atanasio Girardot stadium with gestures that allegedly incite violence' and as a result, several fans entered the field 'with the intention of hitting the coach.'

Following the controversial incident, the Colombian police have allegedly handed Juarez a three-year ban from entering a stadium in Colombia, as well as a $6,000 fine, say SI.

Atletico Nacional have since defended Juárez in a strongly-worded statement.

“We know his professionalism, values ​​and the respect with which he assumes his role," they said. "His celebration, passionate but never offensive, demonstrates his commitment to the team and the importance of each achievement for our institution."

Yony Gutiérrez, a sports journalist in Medellin, pointed out that the Mexican coach could receive a severe sanction for his behaviour.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: "The initial sanction for Efraín Juárez was three years without access to the stadiums and a fine of 26 million. A lawyer representing the coach attended the hearing and filed the appeal. #Opinion: Nacional is right in its statement. It lacks coherence and fairness."

Sancionar por esto 3 años a Efraín Juárez es una estupidez.

Liga blandengue la colombiana. pic.twitter.com/mAMcS58u4o

— Iván “Pollo” Elizondo (@LopezElizondo11) November 20, 2024

Alfredo Morelos, who is currently on loan at Atletico Nacional from Santos, gave his take on the incident.

“If you score, you celebrate, and it shouldn’t affect the other team. So why let a goal happen? Just don’t concede it, that’s the truth if you want us not to celebrate,” he said, as quoted by Footboom. “I am 100 per cent with the coach. This is a very big family."

Former Arsenal and Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina also defended the Mexican coach, saying: "He is an excellent person; we know the values he possesses."

Federico Gutiérrez, the mayor of Medellín, has labelled the decision as “absurd” in a statement.

“Absurd. I do not agree with the decision, in the first instance, of an official who sanctions the coach of Nacional with three years of not being able to enter the stadium. The inspector who made this wrong decision only needed to expel him from the city,” he said, as quoted by Diariodemorelos.

"I think this is a counterproductive and disproportionate measure. The process continues after the appeal. I make a clear call for moderation and common sense from all those involved in football."