The man at the centre of Friday night’s controversial Lanús victory over Arsenal, Andrés Merlos has been suspended indefinitely by the AFA. His performance not only drew the ire of Arsenal de Sarandí’s players and staff but also the condemnation of the rest of the Argentine football world.

With Lanús behind, Merlos added a surprising 5 minutes of stoppage time and after Lanús equalised and the initial quarrel began, the official added a further 4 minutes. In the 99th minute, Merlos failed to spot Silvio Romero’s handball and seconds later, Lautaro Acosta fired in a winner for Lanús.

As the Arsenal players and staff surrounded the referee and Lanús celebrated, Merlos called time, before they even kicked off again and so the home side recorded the most fortuitous of 3-2 victories.

An utterly shambolic refereeing performance which could obviously have huge implications in the title race with Lanús remaining right on the heels of River Plate.

With this added significance and president of Arsenal, Julio Grondona Jr calling for the third goal to be discounted, the AFA have taken the step of suspending Merlos for an indefinite period.

Boca President, Daniel Angelici has also weighed into the debate and said:  “I am not talking about the referees, when it benefits me or when it hurts me, but this is too much. If it were up to me, Merlos would not officiate again“.

It doesn’t appear as though there will be any change of result or replaying and so Lanús remain in close contention for the title but should Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s side go on to lift the Torneo Transición trophy, this match would be recalled. For now, the refereeing career of Andrés Merlos hangs in the balance.