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- Ander Herrera is one of two Boca Juniors players to be hit with four-match bans
- Herrera was sent off for his touchline actions in Boca’s draw with Benfica
- Watch every Club World Cup match free on DAZN. Sign Up Now
Former Man United midfielder Ander Herrera has reportedly been hit with a four-match ban after being sent off for grappling a security guard in Boca Juniors’ Club World Cup opener.
Herrara was one of three players sent off on the night, as Benfica fought back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw on Monday.
The 35-year-old former Man United and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder tried to shove his way through security and approach the referee while he was in the middle of a VAR review just before half-time.
Herrera was stopped and shown a red card by referee Cesar Arturo Ramos when he informed of the midfielder’s actions.
He had already been substituted in the 20th minute after picking up an injury, but was seething on the sidelines with Benfica poised to receive a penalty then they were 2-0 down.
Boca Juniors management stated it has been informed that both Herrera and Nicolas Figal have been handed four-match bans by FIFA.
Figal was sent off in the 88th minute, receiving a straight red card for a foul on Florentino Luis when the match was level at 2-2.
The Argentine club reportedly expected Herrera to receive a larger sanction that Figal, but both have been hit by four-match sanctions.
‘We have already contacted FIFA to submit an appeal,’ a club spokesperson said.
Boca Junior’s reportedly feel aggrieved, according to Ole, after Benfica’s Andrea Belotti was only given a two-match back for a high challenge with saw him kick Ayrton Costa in the back of the head.
The club are said to be hopeful they can get Figal’s sanction reduced, which could lead to him being available in the knock-out stage.
As it stands both Herrera and Figal would be banned until the semi-final stages of the competition, should Boca Juniors progress that far in the competition.
The red card and ban is the latest blow for Herrera following his move to Boca Juniors in January.
The former Man United and PSG midfielder, who joined as a free agent, left the pitch in tears back in March, looking devastated as he cupped his hands to his mouth and covered his face with his shirt having come off injured.
Herrera has been riddled with injuries over the last few years since leaving Athletic Bilbao in 2023.
He had three separate issues for Boca in three consecutive games, the last of which reduced him to tears.
His team-mates consoled him and the Spanish press wrote: ‘Just five minutes after coming on, without waiting for any substitution, he left the field in tears and remained inconsolable on the bench, fearing the worst.’
Herrera made his debut for Boca in January but a hamstring injury forced him off after 65 minutes, his comeback proved to be a false start, feeling discomfort in the same area before a game had even begun and he then came on against Newell’s before his body let him down a third time.
The veteran midfielder will have to watch from the sidelines for the time being at the Club World Cup, as Boca aim to reach the knock-out stage.
Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia had given Boca a 2-0 lead against Benfica in Miami, but the Portuguese side drew level with goals from Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi in the second half.
Boca will now face Bayern Munich and Auckland City in their final group matches at the Club World Cup.
