Santi Giménez Slams Ref After Disallowed Goal: “If I Were the Ref, I'd Have Given It”

Mexican striker Santi Giménez spoke out after his dramatic goal was disallowed in the 0-0 draw between Mexico and Costa Rica at the Gold Cup. The AC Milan forward had scored a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time that would’ve given El Tri the win, but the referee ruled it offside.

“I didn’t understand if the offside was on Quiñones or on me. The ref said it was mine because it came off a deflection, supposedly, but I saw the replay and I think it wasn’t a deflection—it was a clearance by the defender,” Giménez said. “But well, these things happen in football. Still, if I were the ref and saw a goal like that, I’d let it stand.”

Coming on in the 69th minute for Raúl Jiménez, Giménez thought he had finally broken his scoring drought with a second goal this summer for Mexico. But despite his highlight-worthy strike, he was rated the team’s lowest performer of the match by Sofascore (6.3).

Still, Mexico secured top spot in their group and will face Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Phoenix, with their title hopes very much alive.