Tariko retains his position at Jeonbuk after being banned for a racist gesture

• Tariko received a five-match ban for a gesture deemed racist.
• The Jeonbuk club plans to appeal the decision of the disciplinary committee.
• The assistant coach will remain with the team after the final of the Korean Cup.

Mauricio Tariko, former defender of Tottenham, decided to retain his position as assistant coach of the South Korean club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors after receiving a five-match ban due to allegations of racism during the K League championship match.

On November 8, during the game against Daejeon Hana, Tariko was sent off by referee Kim Yong-sung for an emotional protest regarding a penalty decision. During the conflict with the referee, he reportedly made a gesture interpreted as a racist gesture and was subsequently reported to the league's disciplinary committee.

On November 19, the committee banned Tariko from participating in five matches and imposed a fine of 20 million won (approximately 13,646 US dollars). Tariko, a 52-year-old Argentine, denies racist intentions, asserting that he was trying to ask the referee if he had seen the incident.

In a statement released by the club, Tariko noted that his life will continue in a place where guaranteed safety, respect, peace, and equality before the law are upheld. He plans to remain with the team after the final of the Korean Cup against Gwangju on December 6.

Jeonbuk, which secured its tenth title in the K League in July, stated that it will appeal the committee's decision, considering it unjust. The club conducted a comprehensive analysis of match recordings and testimonies and concluded that the incident cannot be deemed a racial discrimination.

Tags: Sport/Football