Boca Board Frustrated With Gago Over Palacios Sanction After Loss to Newell’s

The fallout from Carlos Palacios' disciplinary case is stirring internal tensions at Boca Juniors. The Chilean winger was dropped from the squad by head coach Fernando Gago after missing a training session ahead of the match against Newell’s. Following the team's 1-0 defeat in Rosario, Gago’s handling of the situation has come under scrutiny, according to TyC Sports.

Boca’s Football Council — led by club icon Juan Román Riquelme — believed the disciplinary issue could have been dealt with quietly and internally. The leadership did not see the need to exclude Palacios from the matchday squad and felt the matter would have faded naturally without becoming a public controversy.

Gago defended his decision: “The rules are very clear. He missed training, and I chose not to include him.” But after the disappointing result against Newell’s, Boca’s upper management is reportedly unhappy with the situation, adding fuel to lingering doubts about Gago’s future — already under pressure following the club’s Copa Libertadores exit.

Fans also voiced their frustration online, criticizing the absence of Palacios, who had been one of Boca’s more effective players in recent weeks. As the club heads into a demanding stretch of the season, the rift between Gago and Boca’s leadership could prove costly if results don’t turn around quickly.