Confusion reigned as Luis Suarez threw a tantrum after manager Oscar Tabarez refused to bring him for Uruguay’s Copa America Centenario clash with Venezuela.
The Barcelona striker was clearly fuming at spending the entire 90 minutes on the bench as he threw his bib on the floor in frustration and then punched the dugout before throwing his boots off in a fit of anger after the third and final substitution was made.
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However, it is unclear as to whether Suarez was actually available to Tabarez.
The initial teamsheet appeared to suggest La Celeste’s star man was OUT as his name had an ‘O’ next to it.
However, throughout the game, he warmed up with his team-mates as normal.
And his furious reaction appears to suggest he expected to be introduced at some point.
Tabarez said after the game: “Luis Suarez had the day off today. He is not fit to play. It is a medical issue.
“I don’t care if he gets angry, although I am not sure he is. He did not tell me anything. But he had a major (muscle) tear 18 days ago and we want Suarez when he is fit, for the (World Cup) qualifiers.”
Uruguay, who have won a record 15 titles at the Copa America, were disappointed about their performance.
“It really hurts to be eliminated,” captain Diego Godin said.
“Venezuela deserved their win,” Tabarez admitted. “I am surprised. I know these players well and I still trust them, but they did not play a good game today.”
Defeats in their opening two games against Mexico and Venezuela meant Uruguay were on the brink of elimination.
And Mexico’s subsequent victory over Jamaica confirmed the inevitable Copa America exit.
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