During a tense Superclásico fixture between Boca and River at La Bombonera, longtime Boca auxiliary worker Ezequiel Mazzitelli wiped an expectoration off the jacket of Leonardo Ponzio, TyC Sports reported. The unexpected gesture occurred while River defender Gonzalo Montiel was leaving the pitch following a red card.
Ezequiel Mazzitelli Cleans Ponzio’s Jacket at La Bombonera
The unusual scene unfolded amidst the high-stakes atmosphere of the Superclásico. As Gonzalo Montiel walked off the field after being sent off—directing gestures toward the Boca Juniors home supporters—attention briefly shifted to the technical areas. Mazzitelli noticed that Ponzio’s jacket was stained by spit that had fallen from the preferential grandstand above.
Without asking for permission, the veteran Boca staff member produced a piece of paper and began cleaning the garment. Ponzio initially reacted with surprise and disbelief at the intervention, yet allowed the employee to finish the task. Once the cleanup concluded, the midfielder expressed his gratitude for the polite gesture before refocusing entirely on the match.
Thirty Years of Service on the Boca Juniors Bench
Mzzitelli has worked inside the Boca Juniors institution for exactly 30 years, serving in a supporting capacity rather than an administrative or coaching role. Positioned routinely between the substitute benches, he remains on hand to assist with any operational eventualities during high-pressure fixtures.
Within the club, colleagues describe him as a respected figure who embodies strong values, respect, and enthusiasm for his daily responsibilities. Over three decades operating pitchside at La Bombonera, Mazzitelli has accumulated numerous personal interactions and anecdotes involving many of the historic icons of the Xeneize uniform.
Viral Social Media Attention Follows the Superclásico Incident
Footage and commentary regarding the interaction quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention online. Observers within the stadium noted that the episode provided an unexpected moment of sportsmanship amid the fierce rivalry between the two Buenos Aires giants. Club personnel emphasized that Mazzitelli’s conduct reflected professional courtesy, proving that mutual respect can persist even when competitive tensions reach their peak during a Superclásico.
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