UTC vs Juan Pablo II match suspended after referee assault

A Liga 1 match between UTC and Juan Pablo II in Cajamarca was suspended following violent incidents and assaults on referee Jesús Cartagena. The match, part of the ninth round of the Torneo Clausura, had ended in a 2-1 victory for Juan Pablo II before the stoppage.

The chaos erupted in the final minutes after controversial refereeing decisions, including the red cards shown to UTC players David Camacho and Manuel Ganoza. Following the second expulsion, players, ball boys, and club officials entered the pitch. Reports indicate that UTC sporting manager Luis Chávarry and another official were involved in the confrontation, with one individual reportedly throwing an object at the referee.

UTC players and staff expressed intense frustration following the incident. Captain Luis Garro criticized the officiating and the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), calling the situation “indignante” (indignant) and describing the officiating environment as a “circus.” Players directed their anger toward FPF president Agustín Lozano, alleging that the club is being unfairly targeted during its struggle to avoid relegation.