In a significant development for Mexican soccer, the Disciplinary Commission has officially rescinded the red card issued to Club América defender Ramón Juárez. This decision comes after the club filed a formal appeal following Juárez’s controversial expulsion during the recent match against Atlético de San Luis.
Red Card Revoked After Appeal Success
The incident occurred during Fecha 2 of the Clausura 2026 tournament. Juárez was shown a straight red card in the 19th minute by referee Vicente Reynoso for what was deemed a foul on Juan Manuel Sanabria that allegedly stopped a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The initial decision sparked immediate debate among fans and pundits, many of whom argued that the contact did not warrant an immediate dismissal.
Sources within América confirmed to ESPN that, despite initial hesitation, the club's board decided to formally challenge the referee’s call. The Disciplinary Commission reviewed the appeal and sided with América, overturning the expulsion. This ruling means that the 24-year-old center-back is now eligible to feature in the upcoming match against Pachuca this Sunday at Estadio Hidalgo.
The Controversial Call and VAR Debate
The controversy surrounding the original call was amplified by the fact that referee Reynoso opted not to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor for a review. Instead, he stood by his initial judgment, relying on his on-field perception and communication with the VAR assistants. This adherence to the initial call, in the eyes of many analysts, proved to be the critical error that the Disciplinary Commission ultimately corrected.
For América, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to San Luis in the game where Juárez was sent off, regaining a key defensive piece is a major boost. Juárez’s return provides depth and stability to the backline as the team navigates the early stages of the tournament.
América Backs Coach André Jardine Amidst Early Struggles
The successful appeal coincides with a period of scrutiny for Club América following a sluggish start to the Clausura 2026 season. Despite being the reigning three-time champions (2023-2024), the team has faced early setbacks, leading to speculation regarding the future of Head Coach André Jardine.
Confidence Remains High in the Brazilian Manager
However, sources close to the club have strongly indicated that Jardine retains the full confidence of the ownership, the board, and the players. The prevailing sentiment within the club structure is that the Brazilian manager will be given the entirety of the current tournament to turn the season around. There are no immediate plans to replace the coach who delivered the historic 'tricampeonato.'
“André Jardine has the full backing of the club’s owner, the executive board, and the players,” one source stated. “The plan is to see out the Clausura 2026 under his leadership.”
The team’s performance will undergo a comprehensive evaluation once the tournament concludes. At that juncture, decisions regarding the coaching staff—and whether Jardine wishes to continue—will be made. For now, the focus remains on securing results, and the availability of key players like Juárez is crucial for that objective.
Broader Context: Liga MX and Player Movement
The dynamics within Liga MX continue to generate headlines, ranging from player selection debates to transfer rumors. Earlier reports highlighted discussions surrounding Mexican international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and his potential return to Liga MX versus staying in Europe to maintain his place in the 2026 World Cup squad. These decisions often balance financial incentives against the desire for consistent high-level competition and international visibility.
Additionally, the league is always looking toward its future. Discussions about tactical evolution, refereeing standards—as evidenced by the Juárez appeal—and the overall competitiveness of the league remain central to the ongoing narrative in Mexican football. The recovery of composure and form by a powerhouse like Club América is always a major storyline to watch throughout the semester.
With Juárez available, América can prepare for their next fixture with a full defensive unit, hoping to put the disappointing result against San Luis behind them and stabilize their standing as they head into Jornada 3.
