Club America boss Andre Jardine questioned referee Cesar Arturo Ramos for a non-penalty call during his team’s 1-1 draw with Rayados at the Estadio Azteca.
Jardine’s side found themselves up 1-0 after a cross from Emilio Lara found Diego Valdes, who made sure to finish the chance off with a guided header from close range. Former La Liga player Sergio Canales leveled things up just before the end of the first half, capitalizing on a mistake from Lara that allowed the 32-year-old to fire home a shot from right in front of the goal.
However, while many saw the result as fair, Jardine feels his side were hard done by the officiating, pointing out an incident where Valdes appeared to be impeded in the box by a Rayados defender with Ramos not brushing aside the incident.
“None, the referees don’t explain anything to us,” Jardine said in Spanish.
“I don’t know if they should, but for me it is a very clear penalty. I’m not looking for any explanation, I focus on the game, what we have to do better.”
While any coach wants to walk away from a match with three points, Jardine explained that he was still content with the result against Monterrey.
“I leave satisfied. For me, the first half we had much more control and clearer opportunities. A certain unhappiness in Monterrey’s goal, which was a very avoidable goal … good feelings of controlling a rival that has a lot of hierarchy, a good game, that is growing and very well directed. We were closer to winning than losing,” added Jardine.
A huge talking point leading up to the primetime clash was Rayados boss Fernando ‘Tano’ Ortiz’s return to the Azteca, as he was in charge of the Concacaf giants before taking over at Monterrey. Boos rained down on Ortiz throughout the game, but Jardine was quick to praise the former America player.
“We always understand people’s reaction, they are very passionate,” he said. “They defend the club no matter what happens, I respect too much everything that Tano did in America.
“For me, it has an important part in the title we obtained, we must learn to recognize the work of the people who dedicate themselves to the club from the heart. Tano spent a lot of time in America, with tremendous dedication, striving to give titles, his decision to leave was imagining that it was the best for the team. I hope that one day the fans understand and recognize his work, he is a professional who deserves all our respect.”
The defensive error from Lara saw them leave the game with just a point instead of three, but Jardine defended the 21-year-old and insisted that fans should have patience with a young player who’s still developing.
“He is a great player, quite young. At some point he will make mistakes, it is normal, it is very important to support him,” said Jardine.
“He behaved very well: an assist, a player who was deep, who gave weight to that side both in defense and attack. He will continue to have opportunities because he is a son of America, we have to take care of him like a son.”
America are set to take on Real Esteli FC in the first leg of the knockout stage of the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 6 before clashing with Club Leon in Liga MX action on February 10.
