Former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has been hit with a four-match suspension after an explosive confrontation with the referee during Racing Club’s league defeat to River Plate.

The incident unfolded late in the match when Rojo struck River Plate defender Lucas Martínez Quarta in the face during a challenge. The referee immediately produced a red card, but the dismissal only escalated the situation. Rojo, visibly furious, marched toward the official, shouting and hurling insults before finally being ushered from the field by teammates.

River Plate capitalised on Racing’s disarray to close out a 2-0 victory, while Rojo’s behaviour became the dominant talking point in the aftermath. The disciplinary committee reviewed the footage and imposed a four-game ban, citing both the violent conduct and the subsequent abuse of the referee as aggravating factors.

The punishment adds to a growing disciplinary concern for the 36-year-old centre-back. Since joining Racing Club, Rojo has now been sent off twice in just 15 appearances, underlining a pattern of volatility that has followed him throughout his career. His current deal with the club runs only until June, and the suspension raises fresh questions about his long-term future.

Rojo’s career has been marked by high-profile moments and equally high-profile controversies. At Manchester United, where he spent six seasons, he made 122 appearances in all competitions, featuring under several managers and playing in both central defence and at left-back. His aggressive, front-foot style of defending earned him admirers but also led to frequent bookings and spells on the sidelines.

After leaving Old Trafford on a permanent move to Boca Juniors in 2021, Rojo returned to Argentine football as a marquee signing, expected to bring experience and leadership. Instead, his latest outburst has left Racing without a key defender for a crucial stretch of the season and has drawn criticism from pundits and supporters who argue that a player of his experience should show greater composure.

Racing’s coaching staff now face the challenge of reshaping their back line in Rojo’s absence, while the player himself confronts the possibility that this latest flashpoint could define the closing chapter of his top-flight career.