Liga MX referees end strike after Triverio, Aguilar get 1-year bans
Liga MX is up and running once again.
Mexico's association of professional referees (AMA) has ended its strike after confirming Monday its satisfaction with the revised punishments handed down to Toluca's Enrique Triverio and Club America's Pablo Aguilar.
Both players have been hit with one-year bans by the Mexico Football Federation (FMF) for physical confrontations with officials during Copa MX matches last Wednesday.
The referees' decision to strike came after the two players were initially handed comically light suspensions for their transgressions. Triverio was only banned eight matches after shoving a referee in the chest during Toluca's defeat to Monarcas Morelia, while Aguilar was due to sit out just 10 games after motioning his head toward a referee in America's loss at Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuentes de Caliente.
Per Article 18, section N of the FMF rule book, both men should have initially been suspended for one year - such is the outlined punishment for any player who attacks an official "in any form."
When they weren't, the AMA protested by striking, which saw Liga MX and Copa MX matches cancelled this past weekend.
On Monday, however, the association announced that the revised year-long bans were enough to end the strike with immediate effect.
The FMF stated that "the appeals committee has decided to revoke the (initial) sanctions imposed by the disciplinary committee ... and in their place have determined that (Triverio and Aguilar) shall be sanctioned with a one-year suspension."
Per ESPN FC, the referees' association responded with the following: "The AMA acknowledges the decision from the Mexican Soccer Federation to prioritize the respect and sportsmanship in the field.
"With this ruling, the real winners are Mexican football and the fans. Football unified the whole country, the commitment of all who are involved in this sport must be an example to improve the respect and balance that we need in our society.
"From this moment, we are returning to our regular jobs in the pitch to bring our best efforts for the best of our tournaments."