Carlos Palacios Benched While Other Late Arrivals Go Unpunished at Boca

Carlos Palacios was left out of Boca Juniors’ matchday squad for Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Newell’s as punishment for arriving late to training, but new reports suggest he wasn’t the only one. According to Infobae, two other Boca players also showed up late during the week, yet neither received disciplinary action from manager Fernando Gago.

Uruguayan defender Marcelo Saracchi missed Monday’s session, citing travel issues upon returning from international duty. Meanwhile, Argentine winger Brian Aguirre was reportedly late to training after oversleeping. Despite their tardiness, both were included in the squad to face Newell’s, though neither saw playing time.

The discrepancy in punishment has raised eyebrows. Gago justified Palacios’s exclusion by insisting that “players know the rules,” but the report indicates that the coach may not have trusted the explanation Palacios gave for his delay, leading to the harsher response.

This inconsistency has sparked debate among fans, many of whom were initially supportive of the coach’s decision. After the team’s poor performance in Rosario—including a missed penalty by Edinson Cavani—calls for Palacios’s return grew louder across social media.

With Boca set to face Barracas Central on April 6, all eyes are on whether Palacios will be reintegrated into the squad or remain on the fringes following this internal dispute.