In Cochabamba, where football arguments often linger long after the final whistle, a second-division match between Independiente Cochabamba and Wilstermann Cooperativas produced an extraordinary final act last Sunday. Wilstermann goalkeeper Tesonotte chose not to attempt a save from a stoppage-time penalty he believed should never have been awarded.
With the decision protested by the visiting side, Tesonotte made his point in full view of the ground. As Independiente’s Ernesto Adiri prepared to take the kick, the goalkeeper leaned against a post and left the goal unguarded. Adiri duly scored.
A protest that decided the match
The incident came in added time of the second half and turned the contest against Wilstermann Cooperativas, who lost 3-2 after the unopposed conversion. What had been an unusual individual protest soon became a matter for Bolivia’s officiating authorities.
The country’s national referees commission subsequently concluded that the penalty should not have been given. Referee Carlos Arteaga has been suspended indefinitely following the review, leaving a remarkable scene from Cochabamba with consequences beyond the three points.
