Argentina club Deportivo Riestra condemned for starting YouTuber in league game

12 November 2024, 11:20 | Updated: 12 November 2024, 17:04

An Argentinian football club has been condemned for starting a YouTuber in a top-flight game.

Ivan Buhajeruk - known as Spreen online - was named as a striker in the starting line-up for Deportivo Riestra's league game against top-of-the-table Velez Sarsfield on Sunday.

Despite having no professional football experience, the 24-year-old played 50 seconds before being substituted during a break in play. He did not touch the ball.

Mr Buhajeruk has more than seven million subscribers on YouTube and was signed to a professional contract by the Argentinian club earlier this year.

A commentator for Tyc Sports, which was broadcasting the match, was scathing about the streamer's performance, saying: "He doesn't even know where to stand... it's unbelievable.

"This is shameful, it's a total disgrace."

Former Argentina international Juan Sebastian Veron, now president of Estudiantes de la Plata, also condemned the streamer's appearance.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea player said on Instagram: "A total lack of respect for football and footballers."

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Riestra captain Milton Celiz told reporters the idea came from Victor Stinfale, who owns both the club and main sponsor, an energy drink company.

He added "as a streamer," Mr Buhajeruk "is number one".

Head coach Cristian Fabbiani also told a local radio station he informed Velez's manager Gustavo Quinteros of the unorthodox line-up ahead of the match.

"He laughed and told me to leave [Mr Buhajeruk on the pitch] for half an hour," he said.

"It's something contractual that was signed a long time ago and the club depends a lot on publicity.

"It was probably a one-time thing."

Meanwhile, Mr Buhajeruk - who also promotes the energy drink company - joked on social media he was "undefeated".

He also replied to a picture of him sitting with his teammates saying he was "explaining the new Minecraft update".

(c) Sky News 2024: Argentina club Deportivo Riestra condemned for starting YouTuber in league game