The FIFA Club World Cup clash between Inter Milan and River Plate turned into a scandal when River’s coach, Marcelo Gallardo, accused Inter players of bribing the referee, leading to Lucas Martínez Quarta’s controversial red card in the 66th minute. The call, which shifted the match in Inter’s favor, resulted in a 2-0 victory, with goals from Francesco Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. Gallardo’s explosive claim, “Inter’s incompetence hides behind bought referees,” infuriated Inter’s leadership, branding the match a “shameful display.”
Inter coach Cristian Chivu fired back with a scathing 11-word retort: “Gallardo’s baseless lies expose his desperation and disgrace our sport.” The statement left Gallardo speechless, as fans on X erupted, with #InterGate trending globally. The red card, issued for Quarta’s foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, was a turning point, but Gallardo’s accusations of corruption fueled tensions, culminating in a post-match melee involving Marcos Acuña and Inter’s Denzel Dumfries.
Inter’s management condemned Gallardo’s remarks as “irresponsible,” demanding an apology and hinting at legal action. The referee’s decision, upheld by the supervisor, sparked outrage among River fans, who threw objects at Inter players as they left the pitch. Despite the chaos, Chivu praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We played with character against a desperate side.”
The controversy has reignited debates about officiating in high-stakes tournaments. With Inter advancing to the last 16, the focus shifts to whether FIFA will investigate Gallardo’s claims or sanction him for his outburst. River’s elimination leaves a bitter taste, while Gallardo faces scrutiny for his inflammatory words. Will this saga reshape the Club World Cup’s legacy?
