TUNJA, Colombia – Boyacá Chicó secured a 2-1 victory over Millonarios on Saturday in a Liga BetPlay I-2026 match played at Estadio La Independencia in Tunja, but the contest was marred by a physical altercation that occurred as players headed to the locker rooms. Reports indicate that Jacobo Pimentel, a player for Boyacá Chicó, was assaulted by players from Millonarios, sustaining injuries in the process.
The match itself was already a tense affair, fueled by controversial officiating decisions from referee Héctor Rivera. Millonarios, needing a win to bolster their playoff aspirations, saw their hopes further diminished by the loss and the subsequent incident. The victory for Boyacá Chicó provides a significant boost as they continue their campaign in the Colombian top flight.
Post-Match Confrontation Leaves Pimentel Injured
According to sources who witnessed the events, the altercation unfolded as players from both teams were making their way off the pitch and towards the dressing rooms. “What happened was that as they were going to the locker room, after the end of the match, a confrontation broke out. Some Millonarios players threw punches and Jacobo was hit, suffering a cut,” a source told Gol Caracol, as reported by Noticias Caracol. Pimentel reportedly sustained a cut to the lip and contusions to the head as a result of the attack.
Police intervention was required to quell the escalating situation, with reports of pushing and verbal abuse adding to the chaotic scene. Diego Novoa, the Millonarios reserve goalkeeper, was reportedly vocal from the bench throughout the second half and received a yellow card for his behavior. Sources suggest Novoa’s actions may have contributed to the rising tensions that ultimately boiled over after the final whistle.
This incident underscores the passion and intensity that often characterize matches in Colombian football, and raises questions about player conduct and security protocols following games. It’s a reminder that the competitive spirit can sometimes spill over into unacceptable behavior.
Match Details and Disciplinary Action
The match saw David Macalister Silva of Millonarios receive a red card for vehemently protesting a call where Sebastián Salazar of Boyacá Chicó interfered with a potential play. Arlen Banguero, a defender for Boyacá Chicó, was also sent off during the match. The game was already a heated contest before the final whistle, setting the stage for the post-match incident.
Beyond the red cards, the match itself was a closely contested affair. Boyacá Chicó’s victory was a significant result for the home side, demonstrating their ability to compete against one of Colombia’s more established clubs. Millonarios, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address both their on-field performance and the off-field conduct of their players.
Millonarios Express Discontent with Officiating
Adding to the frustration for Millonarios, manager Fabián Bustos voiced his concerns regarding the officiating following the match. “My opinion is that in many plays, how much added time was there? Seven or eight minutes of added time at the end, and the goalkeeper (of Chicó) was down for five minutes twice. I believe it wasn’t a match just about him, but about everyone who directs the match, always with respect, surely some people will think differently, but there are many plays to analyze. I imagine the media can express their opinions more freely due to the fact that you can’t be suspended,” Bustos stated in a post-match press conference.
Bustos’ comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding refereeing standards in Colombian football. While it’s common for managers to express dissatisfaction with officiating decisions, the intensity of Bustos’ remarks suggests a deeper level of concern within the Millonarios camp.
Boyacá Chicó: A Brief Overview
Boyacá Chicó Fútbol Club, founded on March 26, 2002, represents the city of Tunja and the Boyacá department. The club is notable for being the first sports limited company in Colombia. Currently competing in the Primera A division since 2023, Boyacá Chicó has previously participated in the Copa Libertadores in 2008 and 2009, reaching the group stage in the latter year after winning the Torneo Apertura in 2008. The club maintains a strong rivalry with Patriotas Boyacá, known as the “Clásico de la Ruana.”
The team plays its home matches at Estadio La Independencia, which has a capacity of 20,000 spectators. The stadium, inaugurated in 1993, provides a passionate atmosphere for the club’s supporters. Currently, the presidential role is held by Nicolás Pimentel, with Eduardo Pimentel as the owner.
What’s Next?
An investigation into the post-match incident is expected to be launched by league officials. Disciplinary action, including potential suspensions and fines, could be imposed on any players found to have been involved in the altercation. The league will likely review security protocols at Estadio La Independencia to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Boyacá Chicó will continue their Liga BetPlay I-2026 campaign with an upcoming match against [insert next opponent and date if available – not found in sources]. Millonarios will appear to rebound from this defeat and the surrounding controversy when they face [insert next opponent and date if available – not found in sources].
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for professionalism and respect within the sport, and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for players, officials, and fans alike. The coming days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the consequences and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to address this unacceptable behavior.
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