Universidad Católica has categorically dismissed any claims of referee favoritism following their recent victory against Audax Italiano. The club has faced intense scrutiny following incidents at the Estadio Bicentenario in La Florida.
Last Saturday's match ended with two players from the home side being sent off. The decision sparked a wave of criticism across various media outlets, alleging preferential treatment for the 'Cruzados' in the Primera División.
Argentine midfielder Fernando Zuqui addressed the doubts surrounding the club and its relationship with the ANFP directly. In an interview with ADN Radio, the player was blunt in rejecting the narrative of favoritism.
The squad's position
“I don't agree that we are being favored,” Zuqui stated. The midfielder maintained that the red cards issued to the opponents were fair and consistent with what happened on the pitch.
The player also expressed his intention to avoid getting into technical debates regarding the officials' performance. “I also don't like to nitpick the referees' decisions, as that is not my place,” he explained.
For the squad member, the focus should remain on athletic performance rather than external controversies. Zuqui emphasized that his primary responsibility is to fulfill his duties on the field.
“I have to focus on the work I need to do on the pitch, but I don't agree with the claim that players are being sent off from the team we are facing,” the Argentine added.
The controversy is fueled by season statistics. Various records show that Universidad Católica has been awarded multiple penalties and seen several red cards in their favor during recent matches in the competition.
Despite these figures, the team maintains that these situations are not intended to favor the club. The squad argues that the officials' decisions strictly adhere to the current regulations.
The institution aims to keep the focus on sporting performance. The club emphasizes that the infractions identified by the referees are the result of fouls committed by their opponents on the field.
