Argentine membership Deportivo Riestra have been branded “shameful” and a “shame” after placing an influencer into the beginning line-up for Monday’s top-flight sport towards leaders Velez Sarsfield earlier than substituting him inside the primary minute.
Ivan Buhajeruk, who is healthier often known as Spreen and has greater than 7 million subscribers on YouTube, has no skilled soccer expertise however was named as a striker within the aspect by coach Cristian Fabbiani.
The 24-year-old was subbed off after solely 50 seconds throughout a break in play for a foul.
The lowly Buenos Aires membership, who’re identified for his or her unconventional advertising and marketing methods, gave Buhajeruk knowledgeable contract and registered him with the Argentine FA in February.
Match commentators on native broadcaster Tyc Sports activities have been scathing of Buhajeruk’s efficiency within the brief time he was on the pitch.
“He doesn’t even know the place to face … it’s unbelievable,” one commentator stated. “That is shameful, it’s a complete shame.”
Fabbiani informed a neighborhood radio station that he had spoken to Velez coach Gustavo Quinteros forward of the match to inform him he didn’t need to disrespect anybody by naming Buhajeruk within the crew.
“He laughed and informed me to depart him for half an hour. It’s one thing contractual that was signed a very long time in the past and the membership relies upon lots on publicity … It was most likely a one-time factor,” he added.
Former Argentina worldwide Juan Sebastian Veron, now president of Argentine membership Estudiantes de la Plata, was unimpressed by the publicity stunt.
“A complete lack of respect for soccer and footballers,” he wrote on Instagram.
Argentine newspaper La Nacion wrote on its web site: “Find out how to disrespect the historical past and way forward for Argentine soccer in a single minute”.
Riestra have loved a powerful maiden marketing campaign within the Primera Division and in ninth place, degree on factors with giants Boca Juniors.
Monday’s match ended 1-1.
