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Controversy Erupts Over Referee Marco Ortiz’s Penalty Decisions in América Games

By Daniel Romero | MEXICO CITY – 2025/08/26 12:15:05

The spotlight is on Marco Antonio Ortiz, with mounting questions surrounding the number of penalties awarded to America in their recent matches. The two penalties granted in the game against Atlas have intensified the scrutiny. Since 2023, a total of seven penalties have been awarded in favor of America across six games officiated by Ortiz, including one international fixture. This has sparked considerable debate during the sixth matchday of the Opening 2025 of the Liga MX.

America secured a 4-2 victory against Atlas at the Jalisco stadium, a match marred by controversy due to the penalty calls that contributed to the first defeat of Argentine coach Diego Cocca on the atlas bench. History suggests that the “Eagles” tend to fare well when the ‘Cat’ ortiz is officiating.

Social media platforms and sports analysis programs have been flooded with contentious comments, hinting at potential bias from the referee towards America.Prior to the game,predictions circulated that André Jardine’s team would be awarded a penalty. Analyst Eduardo Brizio anticipated this scenario,and indeed,two penalties were given.

During Sunday’s match,the ‘Cat’ ortiz signaled the first penalty in the 18th minute following a foul by Gaddi Aguirre inside the penalty area. The defender attempted to block a cross from Cristian Borja, and the ball made contact with his hand. While the referee’s decision aligns with the regulations, many fans perceived it as a sign of favoritism.

The second penalty call was even more contentious, occurring near the end of the game. The Chilean player Víctor Dávila was brought down in the box, leading to widespread disagreement with the ‘cat”s decision to award another penalty, even with VAR intervention.

Prior to this match, five penalties had already been awarded to the Eagles in games since 2023. Earlier in the current tournament, during the second matchday against Xolos de Tijuana, Aaron Mejía fouled Sebastián Cáceres in the area, resulting in a penalty sanctioned by ‘Gato’ and confirmed by VAR.

Controversial Penalty Decisions Analyzed

“The other play that resulted in the penalty marking had more controversial dyes, as it took almost at the end of the duel.”

In the Leagues Cup 2024, during a match between America and St. Louis City, Ortiz initially awarded a penalty, which was later overturned by VAR. Though, a second penalty was given when the score was tied 2-2 with only five minutes remaining. Although the penalty was successfully converted, the ball first made contact with Tomas Olai Totland’s leg.According to regulations, the goal should have been disallowed because the ball rebounded unintentionally off his body.

In the second leg of the Clausura 2024 final, America led 1-0 against Blue cross, thanks to a contested penalty. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg,Israel Reyes was fouled by Rodolfo Rotondi in the Azteca stadium around the 70th minute. This play proved decisive, as Henry Martín scored, leading to America’s championship victory. The play sparked controversy, as Rotondi appeared to make initial contact with the ball, which some argued should have negated the penalty. Despite VAR review, the ‘Gato’ upheld his decision, leading to divided opinions.