Seven-Goal Standoff: Controversy Erupts in UE vs Ateneo Football Clash
The UAAP Season 88 men’s football tournament witnessed one of its most dramatic and controversial games on September 28, as the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors edged the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 4–3, in a match marred by disputes over officiating, a temporary walkout, and post-match tensions.
A High-Scoring Affair
UE came out strong, building a commanding lead against Ateneo and looking poised to secure their first win over the Blue Eagles since 2019. In a span of just 15 minutes, the Red Warriors struck three times—an explosive flurry that showcased their powerful combination play and sharp build-ups. Goals from Eldrin Madrid, Jam Mariveles and company gave the Red Warriors a cushion that looked decisive.
Yet Ateneo refused to fold. The Blue Eagles created plenty of chances, including a Kofi Agyei header that rattled the post. Despite being unlucky in front of goal, Ateneo kept pressing, and in the last 15 minutes of the match, they came roaring back. Dov Cariño’s strike and Hugh Soriano’s late effort reignited hope, showing the heart of a team that refused to go down quietly.
The Offside Dispute
The turning point came in stoppage time, when Soriano scored what seemed to put Ateneo within striking distance at 4–3. UE players and coaches immediately protested, arguing the goal was clearly offside. Frustrated by the decision to let the goal stand, the Red Warriors temporarily walked off the pitch in protest before eventually returning to resume play.
Walkout, Added Time, and Momentum
The walkout brought the game to a halt and stunned fans at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub. Despite the dramatic exit, match officials allowed UE to return without imposing immediate disciplinary action. Only four minutes of added time were given after the delay—raising questions about whether this was enough, and whether the disruption killed Ateneo’s growing momentum in their late surge.
Post-Match Confrontations
The final whistle sealed a rare 4–3 victory for UE, but emotions boiled over. Players, coaches, and staff from both sides engaged in a prolonged confrontation that required intervention from UAAP tournament officials, including Tournament Commissioner Rely San Agustin, to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Implications for the Season
For Ateneo, the loss marked their first defeat of the season in painful fashion, despite showing resilience and creating enough chances to win on another day. For UE, it was not only a breakthrough win that highlighted their attacking firepower and ended years of frustration against the Blue Eagles, but also their first victory of the season—improving their record to 1 win and 2 losses.
Yet beyond the scoreline, the match has reignited debates about refereeing standards in the UAAP—especially in the absence of VAR technology to review controversial calls. And with questions lingering about whether the walkout and the limited added time altered the flow of the match, the controversy will not fade anytime soon.
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