Boca Juniors’ Ander Herrera suspended for four matches after red card in match against Benfica

Boca Juniors’ Ander Herrera suspended for four matches after red card in match against Benfica

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has been handed a four-match ban after clashing with a security guard at the Club World Cup during Boca Juniors’ clash with Portuguese side Benfica on Monday night.

Herrera was one of three players sent off on the night, as Benfica fought back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw against the Argentine side.

The 35-year-old, who joined the Argentine club back in January, tried to shove his way through security and approach the referee while he was in the middle of a VAR review just before half-time.

Ander Herrera was not on the field of play at the time, having been substituted in the 20th minute of the game after picking up an injury.

Ander Herrera was initially shown a red card for dissent by referee Cesar Arturo Ramos after protesting a penalty decision given against Boca just before half-time, having tried to confront the official at the VAR monitor before the security stepped in.

Boca’s Jorge Fidal also received a four match ban following his sending off later in the same game.

Ander Herrara left the pitch in tears, looking devastated as he cupped his hands to his mouth and covered his face with his shirt.

The veteran midfielder will have to watch from the sidelines for the time being at the Club World Cup, as Boca Juniors aim to reach the knock-out stage.

Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia had given Boca a 2-0 lead against Benfica in Miami, but the Portuguese side drew level with goals from Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi in the second half.

They will now face Bayern Munich and Auckland City in their final group matches at the Club World Cup.

[Text from ball.ie excluding headline]