Matchday 10 of Liga MX's Apertura 2026 will be remembered for a thrilling 3-3 draw between Toluca and Cruz Azul, but beyond the spectacle on the pitch, coach Antonio Mohamed's statements have ignited a new controversy surrounding refereeing. Following the vibrant encounter on September 27, 2026, the Argentine strategist, known as "El Turco," directed his criticism directly at the central referee, Katia Itzel García.
"El Turco's" Outburst
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With the frustration of the draw still palpable, Mohamed did not hesitate to express his deep dissatisfaction with the refereeing performance. In the post-match press conference, he was blunt: "She's not up to the task for this match. They give her opportunities, but she doesn't learn," he stated. The Toluca coach even went further, declaring that, "if there had been a normal referee, we would have won the match."
"El Turco's" words specifically pointed to two key plays that, in his opinion, were misjudged and directly influenced the outcome. He highlighted a potential red card for Cruz Azul player Gonzalo Piovi for a kick on Paulinho, as well as an incident where Willer Ditta, also of La Máquina, made contact with an assistant referee. For Mohamed, both actions warranted more severe sanctions that were not applied by García.
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Ignited Debate and Repercussions
Mohamed's statements immediately resonated in the Mexican football scene, reigniting the perennial debate about the quality of refereeing in Liga MX. The figure of Katia Itzel García, who has been one of the most promising referees nationally and internationally, once again found herself in the eye of the storm.
Although Mohamed clarified that his criticisms were not related to the referee's gender but to her performance, the episode generated broader discussions about the pressure faced by referees, and particularly women, in high-visibility roles in a predominantly male sport.
The repercussions for those involved were swift. The Mexican Football Federation's Refereeing Committee has placed Katia Itzel García's performance under review. The referee is expected to receive a "stern reprimand" due to her handling of the match and, crucially, for the potential omission of important incidents in the referee's report, which complicated any action by the Disciplinary Committee.
In contrast, Antonio Mohamed and Toluca received only a warning from the Disciplinary Committee, avoiding financial or sporting sanctions, as they considered that his statements, although strong, did not warrant a greater punishment.
Mohamed's Future at Toluca
The controversy, as is customary in football, generated speculation about Mohamed's continuity on the Toluca bench. However, despite the uproar, "El Turco's" position at Los Diablos Rojos appears firm. The coach has repeatedly confirmed his commitment to the club, with whom he has a contract until June 2027 and where he has achieved a successful track record, including multiple titles in less than two years.
While Mohamed has expressed his desire to return to Argentine football at some point, and has even been linked with Cruz Azul in the past, his most recent statements suggest that any departure from Toluca would be for a break or to seek a new challenge in his home country in the long term, and not as a direct consequence of this type of refereeing controversy. For now, "El Turco" remains focused on the Scarlet team's objectives, including the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.