Mexico-Panama Gold Cup Semifinal Boiled Over Following Late Penalty Call
Here's the controversial penalty call as Roman Torres is called for handball. #GoldCup2015 http://t.co/4aSShYi9SP
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 23, 2015
The Mexico-Panama CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal took a chaotic turn in the final seconds of regulation. Panama led 1-0 with about a minute in regulation.
Roman Torres — who scored the goal for Panama — was whistled for a hand ball in the box by American referee Mark Geiger to give a penalty to Mexico.
From there debris was tossed onto the field and tempers flared between players on both sides.
Scuffles between Panama and Mexico benches. pic.twitter.com/l7ubQ4IO1e
— ESPN FC Mexico (@ESPNFCtri) July 23, 2015
Eventually order was restored … after an 11-minute delay. Andres Guardado — who also scored a stoppage time penalty for Mexico in the quarterfinals — knocked in his attempt past Jaime Penedo to send the game to extra time.
Andres Guardado sinks the controversial penalty to draw Mexico level with Panama. #GoldCup2015 http://t.co/bRt4PegKyz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 23, 2015
The winner gets Jamaica in the final on Sunday. The loser plays the United States on Saturday.
UPDATE: Mexico took a 2-1 lead via another penalty converted by Guardado during the first half of extra time.
Andres Guardado's second penalty goal gives Mexico the lead right at halftime of extra time. #GoldCup2015 http://t.co/IrMF6mv9yl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 23, 2015
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[Feature image via USA Today Sports Images]