LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 30: (Alternate crop of image #494719253) Raul Fernandez of Peru fails to stop Daniel Sturridge of England (not pictured) scoring the opening goal during the international friendly match between England and Peru at Wembley Stadium on May 30, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

VIDEO: Chile Benefits On Straight Red Against Peru in Copa Semi

Three certainties in life are death, taxes and controversy in Copa America. Tonight, in the first Semifinal of the 2015 tournament, Peru’s Carlos Zambrano saw a straight red by putting his boot into Charles Aranguiz’s back.

As you can see, an argument can be made that there was nothing malicious about it. Zambrano was going for the ball, and won the ball and it can be argued that he didn’t have time to put his foot back down while he’s in the air. It should also be noted that Zambrano got a straight red while he was already on a yellow card. While getting a straight red or second yellow wouldn’t have technically done anything differently in terms of him playing in the rest of Copa America, it sent a strong message from the ref that it was a deliberate act instead of play on the field.

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @phillipbupp

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