Football has seen its share of unexpected twists and turns but one that was witnessed this week during an Inter Miami Tigres UANL quarterfinal match played in the Leagues Cup, can be discussed as one of the most outstanding examples of this rule. In a new twist of events the unofficial head coach Javier Mascherano who has been shown a red card in the first half of the game would use his phone to provide coaching instructions to the team on the half line, rather than be on the coaches side.
What is going on with Javier Mascherano?
Mascherano was dismissed after an ugly falll-out with the official on the how much time to add on to the first half. The precise cause was not aired but it is reported that he was sent off following a confrontation with the referee. Unperturbed, Mascherano moved to the technical area also a hopping distance to the pitch where he could pass instructions across. Video was taken of him on a phone conversation with assistant coach Lucas Rodriguez Pagano who is seen holding the phone and seemed to be at pitchside.
I’m crying Javier Mascherano got a red card so now he’s in the stands giving instructions on his phone 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/qCH5gX2rDk
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) August 21, 2025
His behavior made a spectacle of things, a coach who is, technically, out of the field, but who is still controlling play stretched the envelope of what is permissible on the sidelines. Although some voiced their discontent with it as bending the rules, the rules of the Leagues Cup have not explicitly forbidden the use of phone calls with coaching staff.
Inter Miami advancing in Leagues Cup
Inter Miami ended up winning 2-1 with two penalty shots by Luis Suarez the second of which came in the 89th minute after a VAR review of a handball committed by Javier Aquino. The post match commentary was mixed, critics cited ethical concerns with it, whereas others dismissively called it an example of creative adherence to the letter of the rules. It is unknown whether league officials will reconsider regulations, but the event has definitely stirred up a chatter.
Ultimately, and somewhat sadly, absent through injury, it was Mascherano on the sidelines, coaching with his phone that got the press. Inter Miami now prepares to face the semifinals hopefully without the drama this time but with one that match officials will be even more keen to watch over.
Also Read: Europe’s Football Politics, UEFA’s Neutral Match Strategy
