In 2008, assistant referee “Chalaquita” Gonzales missed one of the greatest goals in the career of the eternal “Checho” Ibarra.
Come on Chalaca destinations They are usually well remembered and enjoyed by fans in general. Peruvian football is familiar with this type of goal, since in this century we have goals like that of “Cachete” Zúñiga, voted Goal of the Year, or Junior Viza’s goal in the national final between Juan Aurich and Sporting Cristal. However, the most famous – and also lamented – of all time has to be one that unfortunately wasn’t accidentally confirmed. Is about ‘Checho’ Ibarra.
Sergio Ibarra, the historic goalscorer of Peruvian soccer, is a former soccer player who is well respected by fans and who has gained even greater notoriety since becoming a character on national television. “Checho” has always been known for scoring goals in any way imaginable. Unfortunately, on the day he scored the best thing that could come of it, an old friend of his decided to fly the flag.
‘Checho’ Ibarra scored the only goal for Melgar vs. Cienciano of the inaugural 2008 tournament. Photo: GLR archives
How was Chalaca’s goal canceled out against ‘Checho’ Ibarra?
In 2008, Sergio Ibarra was Melgar’s centre-forward, which made him the team’s top scorer that season. On Day 4 of the inaugural tournament, Domino faced Cienciano in the first Southern Classic of the year. The game’s main referee was Carlos ‘Chalaquita’ Gonzales, who would take much of the spotlight thanks to a unique intervention.
‘Checho’ lined up with Gerardo Gárate in Arequipa’s attack and scored the first goal of the game after 15 minutes. Officially, that was the only one too, as Ibarra and Melgar would be harmed by ‘Chalaquita’ Gonzales’ decision to fly his old friend’s flag for an alleged hand when the best move of his football career was sent.
‘Checho Ibarra”s chalaca is impressive: he controlled a chest ball behind Roberto Guizasola and, without falling off, lifted it up with his right foot, only to turn and pin it to the far post of Jesús Cisneros.
What did ‘Chalaquita’ Gonzales say about the goal that annulled ‘Checho Ibarra’?
Carlos ‘Chalaquita’ Gonzales, now player representative, later gave an interview to El Comercio and spoke about the goal. He has been friends with “Checho” for many years. However, that didn’t stop him from making the decision he felt was right, but after watching the post-game replay, he saw that he was wrong.
“Actually, I had my doubts, but when I saw the assistant raise the flag, I whistled. I thought she did it because she was offside, but she made a gesture that I had touched her with my arm. And I canceled the gate. Later, when I saw the replay, I realized it wasn’t offside or a hand,” he admitted.
“It was a ‘Ronaldichecho’ style goal,” explained Ibarra after the game with the humor that always characterizes him.
Eventually it was all for the anecdote, and “Chalaquita” recounted that weeks later he found his boyfriend. “Who is this referee from m… who disallowed your goal?” he said. ‘Checho’ replied with a hug.