Copa America 2011: Paraguay to Play Final without Coach Gerardo Martino
Following a brawl at the end of the semi-final win over Venezuela, Paraguay Coach Gerardo Martino has been handed a two match touchline ban, which will force him to watch his team play the final against Uruguay from the stands.
Martino, who had earlier in the game exchange heated words with his Venezuelan counterpart Cesar Farias, was sent to the stands during the game for arguing with the referee. He now faces two match bans after the brawl said the South American Football Confederation (CSF) official website www.conmebol.com.
Gerardo Martino: Will Have to watch the final from the stand
With his assistant Jorge Pautasso also suspended for the Sunday’s final against Uruguay, Paraguay will have to play their final match with their top two bosses watching from the stands. Both Paraguay and Venezuela were also fined $10,000 for the fight which broke out after the Penalty Shootout.
Fortunately for Paraguay, none of their players involved in the fight were punished, though stern warning of strict action have been given to them if re-occurs in future. Paraguay are already without midfielder Jonathan Santana after he was sent off against Venezuela while striker Roque Santa Cruz and left back Aureliano Torres are injured and rated as doubtful.
