Why Was Andrea Belotti Banned for 2 Games? The Shocking Red Card That Sparked a Protest

The Incident That Changed Everything

It was supposed to be a routine substitution—31-year-old striker Andrea Belotti coming on in the second half of a high-stakes C group match between Benfica and Boca Juniors. But by minute 70, everything had shifted. A challenge on Elton Costa’s head wasn’t just aggressive; it was reckless. The referee initially reached for yellow—but then VAR intervened.

Suddenly, the game paused. A red card was shown.

Belotti didn’t argue—he simply walked off, his expression unreadable. But behind him, chaos brewed.

Why Two Matches? The Unfairness of It All

Benfica were told initially they’d only face one-game suspension. Then came the official announcement: two matches out. For a team fighting for knockout stage survival—this wasn’t just punishment; it was strategic sabotage.

I’ve studied penalty systems across leagues—from NCAA to UEFA—and this is where data meets drama. One incident doesn’t justify two games if the standard protocol allows for lesser sanctions under similar circumstances. Yet here we are: another example of sport’s inconsistent application of rules.

And let’s be honest—the moment VAR overruled the yellow into red felt less like justice and more like algorithmic overreach.

The Protest That Shook the Bench

Now comes the part that no highlight reel shows: Di María standing at center stage, voice raised to DAZN reporters after the match.

“The referee allowed so many hard tackles from Boca early on,” he said flatly. “He could’ve given multiple yellows before this moment.”

This wasn’t emotional outburst—it was tactical critique disguised as frustration.

But here’s what really struck me: every modern footballer understands that emotion must be controlled… unless it’s being used to expose systemic bias. When players like Di María speak up—not for attention but for fairness—they become human counters to machine decisions.

The Bigger Picture: When Justice Feels Like an Afterthought

Belotti is not known as a dirty player—his career stats show discipline over flair—but one moment can redefine your reputation overnight.

This situation forces us to ask: Who gets punished? Who gets protected?

We talk about player mental health and accountability—but rarely do we examine whether those systems are built fairly or favorably toward certain teams or nationalities.

In my time analyzing games through statistical lenses at ESPN-affiliated projects, I’ve found something consistent: when controversial calls happen in international fixtures involving South American clubs vs European giants, scrutiny changes tone—and so does outcomes.

Was this decision truly impartial—or simply reactive?

What Comes Next?

The club has 48 hours to appeal with formal documentation from their medical staff (if applicable) and video evidence supporting their case that no intent existed beyond competitive intensity. If rejected—if they’re forced back into silence—they’ll carry more than just absence from two matches; they’ll carry institutional resentment toward an enforcement system they feel doesn’t see them as equals. As someone who believes in transparency and rational debate in sports narratives—I urge fans not only to watch but question what lies beneath each whistle.