Mina avoids red card after alleged stamp

Cape Town - Everton defender Yerry Mina has come under fire for an alleged stamp on Peru's Anderson Santamaria while on international duty with Colombia.

The Toffees centre-back received a yellow card after the incident during Colombia's 1-1 draw with Peru in Miami in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Mina and Santamaria both went to play the ball in the 69th minute of the international friendly, with the Everton star appearing to step on his opponent's right foot and causing a wound that later required six stitches.

The referee dealt with the situation by issuing Mina with a caution - the third of four yellow cards earned by Colombia players to just one on the Peruvian side.

Peru's players protested the decision as they surrounded the match official, while Santamaria had to leave the field of play and could not continue.

He did not hold back in his comments after the game, issuing a strong statement about why he felt Mina had been lucky to escape without further punishment.

"It is unfortunate that I can not train for 15 days and that Yerry Mina has only been sanctioned with yellow," said Santamaria.

"We knew it would be a tough game, however, it is one thing to put in a strong leg and another to do what he did. They just stitched me up and I will miss the rest of the championship with my team [Atlas]. I am sorry that no justice has been done."

Everton will just be glad Mina didn't hurt himself in the match given their horrendous bad luck this season and the ex-Barcelona star's own injury record.

Reports in Colombia state he had a good game in Miami and was in a constant battle with Peru striker Paolo Guerrero.

Mina is said to have won the aerial duels and anticipated danger well, which will be further good news for Marco Silva.

- TeamTalk Media