Zambrano Uses “Judo Move” on Pusetto During Independiente vs. Alianza Friendly

The Incident Outside Estadio Alberto Gallardo

The confrontation occurred after a regular training session for the professional squad, according to Infobae. Uribe, widely known in Peruvian football as “El Diamante,” stepped out of his vehicle to speak with a police officer about the tense atmosphere created by a gathering of club barristas. While descending, one individual struck him in the nuca (back of the neck) before fleeing the scene to avoid law enforcement.

A separate supporter recorded the assault on a mobile device, and the resulting video quickly circulated across social media platforms.

Club Response and Legal Action

Sporting Cristal issued an official statement condemning the attack on their general director of football. The club confirmed that several individuals involved have already been identified and that formal criminal complaints would be filed immediately with the Ministerio Público (Public Ministry).

“El Club Sporting Cristal condena enérgicamente la agresión sufrida hoy por nuestro Director General de Fútbol, Julio César Uribe, luego del entrenamiento del plantel profesional,” the club stated in its official release, adding that further efforts are underway to identify other participants. The institution emphasized that while criticism and debate are legitimate parts of football, intimidation and violence have no place within the organization.

Athletic Context and Ongoing Struggles

The hostility stems from a difficult run of form in the Liga 1 2026 season. After finishing the Torneo Apertura far behind expectations, Sporting Cristal appointed veteran manager Roberto Mosquera to steer a turnaround in the Torneo Clausura. Despite tactical shifts and leadership from club captain Yoshimar Yotún, inconsistent performances across all phases of the pitch have kept the team mired in a competitive slump, heightening tensions among the fan base ahead of upcoming fixtures against opponents such as Los Chankas.