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Handball Controversy: Why Didn't the Referee Award a Penalty For The USMNT Vs Mexico?

Handball Controversy: Why Didn’t the Referee Award a Penalty For The USMNT Vs Mexico? originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The USMNT suffered a 2-1 loss to Mexico in the 2025 Gold Cup Final, but some fans believe the team lost unfairly. A controversial play in the second half has USMNT fans puzzled and angry that the referee did not call. 

In the 66th minute, Mexico’s Jorge Sanchez tackled Max Arfsten in the box and then touched the ball with his hand onto the ground. 

The referee did not award the USMNT a penalty for a handball, and many call it a controversial play that could’ve changed the outcome of the match. 

The referee, Mario Alberto Escobar Toca, was not called by VAR to check a replay of the controversial play. Despite many USMNT fans complaining about the handball, a former referee justifies why Mario Escobar did not call a penalty.

Former Referee Agrees with No Penalty Decision

Former FIFA referee Fernando Guerrero Ramírez gave his opinion on the handball in the Gold Cup final and believes the referee made a great judgment in not calling a penalty for Team USA. 

Fernando Guerrero Ramírez: “Great judgment by Mario Escobar in not calling a penalty for Sanchez’s handball from the Mexican national team. He plays the ball and then, while falling, touches the ball with his hand unintentionally.”

What makes it hard for USMNT fans is that the play occurred when the game was tied 1-1. Just ten minutes later, Mexico scored the winner to win the Gold Cup.

The USMNT lost their first competitive match against Mexico since 2019, in the 2019 Gold Cup Final, which finished in a 1-0 win for the Mexicans.

USA 1-2 Mexico (Mexico Gold Cup Champions)

The USMNT had a dream start to the Gold Cup final as they scored in the first four minutes of the game. From a set piece, Sebastian Berhalter sent a perfect cross in the box. Chris Richards headed the ball over Mexico’sLuis Malagon to score the opener.

The ball hit the crossbar and bounced past the line, and goal-line technology helped the referee confirm the goal. After the opener, Mexico pressured the USMNT with great chances in front of the goal.

Mexico’s pressure finally prevailed as Marcel Ruiz delivered a great through ball for Raul Jimenez, who smashed the ball past Matt Freese. USA and Mexico were drawing 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Mexico continued to pile on the pressure with more chances. The USMNT had chances as well, but couldn’t convert. Mexico’s second goal arrived from a set piece as Edson Alvarez headed the ball into the net.

At first, the goal was ruled offside, but VAR checked Alvarez’s position and found that the West Ham United midfielder was onside. The goal was given, and Mexico took the lead. The goal ended up being the winner for Mexico, and they won back-to-back Gold Cups. 

Related: The Man Behind the Athlete: Chris Richards’ Parents, Girlfriend/Wife, Ethnicity & More

Related: Gold Cup Final: Why Is Christian Pulisic Not Playing For the USMNT Vs. Mexico?

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.

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