Danilo Ortiz Suffers Jaw Fracture and Loses Teeth, But Plays Through Brutal Clash

Paraguayan defender Danilo Ortiz endured a horrific injury over the weekend in Peru’s top-flight league yet astonishingly finished the match. Per Versus, Ortiz suffered a jaw fracture and lost three teeth after a brutal elbow from Colombian striker Yorleys Mena during Cienciano’s 1–0 loss to Alianza Universidad in the eighth round of the season.

The incident occurred in the 66th minute, when Ortiz went down bleeding profusely from the mouth. Despite the severity of the blow, referee Ítalo González issued only a yellow card to Mena, and the VAR crew chose not to intervene for a potential upgrade. The Colombian forward was allowed to remain on the pitch.

Incredibly, Ortiz refused to leave the field and played the remainder of the match. Later medical tests revealed the full extent of his injury, which required double jaw surgery and will sideline him for approximately two months.

The defender’s grit and perseverance were praised widely across social media, with fans hailing his courage and commitment. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked outrage in Peru over the refereeing standards and lack of VAR accountability, as many believe the foul warranted a straight red card.