Tepatitlán FC player Julio César Cruz apologizes after pushing referee

Julio César Cruz, a forward for Tepatitlán FC, has issued a public apology following an incident during a Liga Expansión match against Cancún FC. During the 59th minute of the game, Cruz was shown a second yellow card and subsequently expelled from the field. Following the dismissal, the player confronted and pushed referee Lizzet Amairany García Olvera.

In a statement, Cruz attributed his actions to “frustration and heat of the game,” stating that there is no justification for his error. He emphasized that he is not an aggressive person and expressed regret for his behavior.

The Referees Commission has condemned the actions, stating that violence against officiating members violates the principles of respect, fair play, and integrity promoted by the commission and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF). The matter has been referred to the Disciplinary Commission for a final ruling.