Mexico’s Mateo Chavez Sent Off for Two-Handed Slap on USA’s Sebastian Berhalter
The defender was dismissed during Mexico’s heated 3-0 friendly defeat to the United States.
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Mexico defender Mateo Chavez was sent off after striking USA midfielder Sebastian Berhalter across the face with both hands.
The incident occurred during the second half of Saturday’s international friendly at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, which the United States won 3-0.
Chavez initially brought down Yunus Musah with a late challenge before Berhalter ran over to confront him and pushed the Mexican defender in the chest.
Chavez responded by raising both hands and slapping Berhalter on either side of his face directly in front of referee Selvin Brown.
Berhalter immediately fell to the ground holding his face as players from both teams gathered around the confrontation.
Brown showed Chavez a straight red card for violent conduct, while Berhalter received a yellow card for his involvement in the altercation.
The dismissal sparked a larger scuffle between the two teams, with USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino and members of his staff entering the pitch to help separate the players.
Chavez had only entered the match as a half-time substitute and had been on the pitch for approximately 20 minutes before being sent off.
Mexico were already trailing 2-0 following goals from Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan, who became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history.
Malik Tillman later added a third goal to complete a convincing victory for the hosts.
The result extended the United States’ winning run to three matches and left Mexico without a victory from their opening three games under Rafael Marquez.
