Cristián Pavón Arrested in Brazil After On-Field Clash With Referee in Copa do Brasil

Cristián Pavón, former Boca Juniors winger and current Gremio player, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a violent incident during a Copa do Brasil match against Centro Sportivo Alagoano, Minuto Neuquén reported. The Argentine forward was seen escorted from court after allegedly attempting to spit on referee Matheus Candançan and striking a police officer during a chaotic scene on the pitch.

The altercation began in the 43rd minute when VAR overturned a Gremio goal for a prior foul. Enraged by the call, several players surrounded the referee. Pavón lost control, tried to spit at Candançan, and reportedly lashed out at a security official. The match official also showed a red card to teammate Matías Arezo.

Pavón later appeared before Brazil’s Special Criminal Court accompanied by club VP Alexandre Rossato and lawyer Jorge Petersen. While he was released after testifying, footage of the former Argentina international leaving under guard quickly circulated in local and international media.

Meanwhile, Pavón’s career at Gremio hangs in the balance. Vélez Sarsfield —coached by his former Boca manager, Guillermo Barros Schelotto— is reportedly keen to bring the 29-year-old back to Argentina, where he once reached international stardom and earned a spot at the 2018 World Cup.