Langreo, Spain – The fallout continues for CD San Luis following a shocking incident involving player José Guillermo Álvarez Esteban and a referee during a Tercera Asturfútbol match. While the initial response from the club drew widespread condemnation, the team’s players and coaching staff have now publicly denounced the assault and the earlier statement that appeared to justify it, as the club faces a potential loss of its license.
The incident occurred during a match between CD San Luis and Llanera B on Sunday, where Álvarez Esteban allegedly assaulted referee José Antonio Berdasco González after a penalty was called. The club’s initial reaction, released by a now-former secretary, sparked outrage by failing to condemn the player’s actions and instead blaming the referee’s decisions for inciting the violence. This stance was quickly labeled “inadmissible” by the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF).
“We do not condemn the aggression against the referee by our player No. 4 given that we believe the refereeing decisions we suffered during today’s match propitiate this type of behavior,” the original statement read, according to reports. “We support our player, who is a fundamental piece of the club and therefore will not be removed.”
However, the club swiftly reversed course, issuing a subsequent statement expressing support for the referee and condemning violence. Despite this retraction, the damage was done, and the RFEF and the Comité Técnico de Árbitros (CTA) have taken a firm stance against both the player and the club.
Now, the players and coaching staff have added their voices to the chorus of disapproval. In a statement released today, they expressed their “profound regret” over the initial response and distanced themselves from the views expressed by the former secretary, Alejandro Blanco (son of the club president). “It has been a tough few days for us, and after today’s meeting, we condemn in a resounding and unequivocal manner the aggression perpetrated by a teammate against the referee,” the statement read.
The team likewise apologized to the referee and the entire arbitration community, emphasizing that such violent conduct has no place in football or any sporting arena. They stressed their commitment to the values of respect, fair play, and sportsmanship.
The CTA has already condemned the aggression and the club’s initial reaction, calling both “inadmissible.” The situation has escalated to the point where the CD San Luis faces a potential loss of its license to compete. The Comité de Competición has opened an expediente (formal investigation) against the club and its board of directors, giving them five days to present their defense and any supporting evidence.
José Guillermo Álvarez Esteban is facing a significant suspension. On March 10, 2026, the Territorial Competition Committee of the Royal Football Federation of the Principality of Asturias announced a sanction of one year and six months for Álvarez Esteban, as the author of a “serious offense of aggression against the referee.” The committee also sanctioned the club’s coach, Marco Antonio Iglesias, with a two-match suspension for “a minor offense of disrespect” towards the referee.
The players’ statement specifically disavowed the initial communication from the club’s former secretary. “We completely disassociate ourselves from the statement issued by the former club secretary, in which the aggression is defended or justified. We believe that this position does not represent the ethical principles that should govern our institution and in sport in general. As a team and coaching staff, we do not share or endorse this defense, and we deeply regret that a message that could be interpreted as tolerance towards violence has been issued.”
Club president Luis Blanco has reportedly expressed his “deep rejection” of the incident, and the club has reiterated its commitment to a “clean, inclusive, and violence-free” football environment. They have pledged to cooperate fully with any investigation or corrective measures taken by sporting authorities.
This incident highlights the growing concerns surrounding player conduct and the responsibility of clubs to uphold ethical standards. The swift and decisive action taken by the RFEF and the CTA sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated on or off the pitch. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect for officials in maintaining the integrity of the game.
The CD San Luis now awaits the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings, with the particularly future of the club potentially hanging in the balance. The club will present a resource to the Committee of Appeal. The next steps for CD San Luis remain uncertain, but the club’s leadership has vowed to address the situation and work towards restoring its reputation.
Fans and observers will be closely watching how this case unfolds, as it could have far-reaching implications for the Tercera Asturfútbol league and Spanish football as a whole. The incident underscores the need for continued efforts to promote respect, fair play, and responsible behavior within the sport.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story.
