A CLUB WORLD CUP referee pulled an odd item out of his pocket when showing a red card during Boca Juniors’ draw with Benfica.
The Argentine outfit and the Portuguese giants played out the most exciting match of the tournament so far in the Hard Rock Stadium.
— Muslimbek Otabekov (@muslimbek_18) June 17, 2025
DAZNReferee Cesar Arturo Ramos showed an odd item when sending off Jorge Figal[/caption]
DAZNThe official quickly put it back in his pocket[/caption]
Boca raced into a 2-0 lead through Miguel Merential and Rodrigo Battaglia.
Benfica fought back to draw the game after goals from Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi.
However, it was the poor discipline on show that added to the excitement of the clash.
Former Manchester United star Ander Herrera was shown a red card despite having been subbed off, while Andrea Belotti was dismissed for Benfica.
Jorge Figal was also sent off by referee Cesar Arturo Ramos in the closing stages.
But there was some confusion as the Mexican official appeared to flash either a bank note or a playing card when showing the red.
Fans were left stunned by the bizarre scenes as they reacted on social media.
One posted: “Joker tournament anyway.”
A second wrote: “They are using the Joker card for this tournament.”
A third commented: “The referee should be penalised for that.”
AlamyFans have guessed it is an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe[/caption]
A fourth guessed: “It’s an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe – a religious symbol in Mexico.”
A fifth joked: “Probably the keycard to his hotel room.”
Another added: “Glorious haha.”
Ramos quickly realised his gaffe as he could be seen grabbing the item and put it back into his pocket.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are the only English team to have played in the tournament so far.
The Blues ran out 2-0 winners against MLS outfit LAFC but tempers flared in that match too.
Goalscorer Pedro Neto had to be held back from scrapping with Denis Bouanga.
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