Conmebol opens investigation on River coach’s irregular talk

SAO PAULO (AP) — South America's soccer body will investigate River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo for allegedly speaking to his players at the break of a match he was suspended.

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez confirmed on Wednesday that the body's disciplinary tribunal will look into a complaint filed by Gremio. The Brazilians were shocked at home by a 2-1 River victory in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinal.

The result put River in the final of the prestigious South American club tournament against Argentinian archrivals Boca Juniors or Brazil's Palmeiras, which play later on Wednesday.

"Any complaint should be introduced to the disciplinary unit within time and form contemplated by regulations, and it will be of exclusive competence of the disciplinary tribunal," Dominguez said on Twitter.

Gallardo acknowledged talking to his players at the break when his team was losing 1-0 to the defending champions. River had lost by the same score at home last week.

"I took that audacity because I thought the players needed it and I needed it too," Gallardo said on Tuesday in Porto Alegre. "I broke a rule, I recognize and take responsibility, but it is what I needed and I don't regret it."

Gallardo was suspended for the match after being found guilty of delaying his team's return to the pitch in several Copa Libertadores matches.

Gremio requested CONMEBOL to annul River's victory and advance the southern Brazil team to the final. The club issued a statement saying the Argentines had violated the spirt of fair play and accused Gallardo of also communicating with his assistants by walkie-talkie, a claim that the coach denies.

After River is officially informed of Gremio's request it will issue its defense before the CONMEBOL disciplinary tribunal. The finals of Copa Libertadores will be played Nov.7 and 28.

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