Following a controversial 2-2 draw between Universitario de Deportes and Comerciantes Unidos on September 6, 2026, the Peruvian referee commission released VAR audio addressing a missed red-card challenge by Álex Valera against Alexis Cossio, sparking intense debate among managers, officials, and former referees over the pitch-side officiating.
The Controversial Challenge and Referee Position
The physical confrontation occurred during the first half at the Estadio Monumental in Ate, where Universitario and Comerciantes Unidos faced off for the eighth round of the Torneo Clausura 2026. Forward Álex Valera went directly into a challenge against defender Alexis Cossio, planting his foot down on the opponent’s ankle area in a sequence that drew immediate protests from the visiting side.
Referee Michael Espinoza stood just a few meters away from the action with an unobstructed line of sight. Despite his proximity, the official chose not to issue a caution or stop play for a review during the initial phase of the match, sending both teams to the locker rooms at halftime with the incident unpunished on the field.
CONAR Releases VAR Audio and Official Review
Amid heavy scrutiny over the non-call, the Comisión Nacional de Árbitros made the video assistant referee audio public. The recording reveals that assistant VAR Lenin Montalbán and video assistant Cristian Allca monitored the sequence closely.
In the released exchange, Cristian Allca instructed Espinoza to hold off on restarting the match while the booth analyzed multiple camera angles. After brief deliberation, the VAR team concluded that the contact did not cross the threshold for a dismissal.
Assistant VAR Cristian Allca, via rpp.pe, stated that the player planted his heel on the ground, put his force into the floor, and then ended up striking the back of the heel with his toe, describing it as a reckless action.
Player and Manager Reactions to the No-Call
Alexis Cossio voiced strong disagreement with the final outcome after watching replays in the locker room. The defender stated that the incident carried enough force to warrant a serious sanction, while also suggesting that the stature of the opposing club may have subconsciously influenced the match management.
Defender Alexis Cossio, via Diario Deportivo El Diez, asked whether it should have been a red card and confirmed that he felt the stamp, noting that it was clearly not a soft area. He added that he had just watched the replay and believed that if the situation had been reversed, they probably would have reviewed it and issued a red card, asking only—as he had spoken with Michael, who he believed had a good match—that they always review it and make their decision afterward.
Comerciantes Unidos manager José Eugenio Hernández echoed those concerns during his post-match press conference. The Colombian coach condemned the nature of the challenge while praising his squad for taking the match to a major opponent in an aggressive opening half.
Manager José Eugenio Hernández, via bolavip.com, stated that he saw a vicious foul against Cossio, noting that they almost broke his leg, and added that it was a foul and undoubtedly a tremendous sanction that the player had to receive.
Expert Analysis and Institutional Criticism
External expert commentary amplified the controversy. Former referee Winston Reátegui analyzed the television angles and argued that Espinoza’s direct line of sight made the omission indefensible. Reátegui maintained that the tackle met the definition of serious foul play and should have resulted in a straight red card.
Furthermore, Reátegui criticized modern officiating trends where center referees defer entirely to video assistants rather than taking responsibility for disciplinary decisions on the turf as recommended by CONMEBOL guidelines.
Standings Impact and Upcoming fixtures
The 2-2 draw left Universitario at 16 points in the Torneo Clausura standings, sharing the summit alongside Deportivo Garcilaso. Meanwhile, Comerciantes Unidos sits in the twelfth position with 8 points.
Both clubs turn their attention immediately to their next league commitments scheduled for September 12, 2026. Comerciantes Unidos will host Sport Huancayo at the Estadio Juan Maldonado Gamarra, while Universitario prepares for a high-stakes clash against Alianza Lima at Matute.
