Argentine side Deportivo Riestra have been accused of “lack of respect for football” after choosing a YouTube star as a striker in a top-flight match.
Ivan Buhajeruk, better known as Spreen, started at home against First Division leaders Vélez Sarsfield on Monday before being substituted less than a minute into the 1-1 draw.
Buhajeruk, 24, has no professional soccer experience but was awarded a professional contract by the Buenos Aires club in February.
He has more than seven million subscribers on YouTube and advertises an energy drink that is also a sponsor of Riestra’s shirt.
Vélez striker Braian Romero said: “It was a lack of respect towards football.
“What happened today is the wrong message that we give to the youngest in society, to those who try until the end.
“That’s not the way. Football is about trying, failing and trying again, always.”
The newspaper La Nación described the event as “shameful” and “tramples on the dreams and efforts of dozens of youth players throughout the country,” while the commentators of the match on local radio station Tyc Sports described it as “a Total shame.”
Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón, now president of Argentine club Estudiantes de la Plata, said there was a “total lack of respect towards football and footballers”.
The Argentine Football Association said it launched an investigation because the stunt may have violated its code of ethics.
Riestra coach Cristian Fabbiani told local radio that he didn’t want to disrespect anyone and that Vélez coach Gustavo Quinteros laughed when he told him about the incident before the game.
“It’s something contractual that was signed a long time ago,” Fabbiani said. “The club depends a lot on publicity. It was probably something specific.”
