---
title: "Palacios lashes out after controversial penalty as Plaza Amador and Alianza draw"
date: 2026-04-12
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/plaza-amador-alianza-penalty-draw/
categories:
  - "Sports"
tags:
  - "Alianza"
  - "Erick Davis"
  - "Jair Palacios"
  - "LPF"
  - "Panamanian football"
  - "Plaza Amador"
---

# Palacios lashes out after controversial penalty as Plaza Amador and Alianza draw

## What Happened

Plaza Amador and Alianza played to a 1-1 draw in a key clash for the top spot in the East Conference of the 2026 LPF Clausura Tournament, but the match was overshadowed by a disputed handball penalty at COS Sport Plaza.

Alianza had taken control of the game after Manuel Rodríguez scored in the 36th minute from a corner kick. The lead held until the 72nd minute, when a cross into the area ended with the ball striking Ricardo Mitre’s hand in the six-yard box, prompting the referee to award a penalty to Plaza Amador.

Erick Davis converted from the spot in the 75th minute to level the match and preserve Plaza Amador’s position at the top of the group.

## Palacios’ Reaction

Alianza coach Jair Palacios reacted strongly after the final whistle and said the handball should be examined, calling the action obvious and excessive. He said he had no complaint for the referee because, in his view, the penalty was clear, but insisted the player’s decision deserved scrutiny.

His comments added another layer of tension to a match already marked by intensity, with both teams fighting for control of a group where every point carries major weight in the race for semifinal qualification.

## Discipline and Match Tension

The penalty sequence also sparked protests from Plaza Amador’s bench, which wanted a sending-off in the play. No red card was shown during the incident, but Ricardo Phillips was later sent off for dissent.

The draw leaves Plaza Amador first in the East Conference with 24 points and Alianza second with 22. With only three rounds left, the group leader earns direct access to the semifinals, making the closing stretch especially important.

## Other LPF Result

In another match on the day, San Francisco and Club Atlético Independiente finished 0-0 at the Agustín “Muquita” Sánchez Stadium. The result moved CAI to 16 points, while San Francisco reached 14, keeping both teams in contention in the West Conference.