Cardona Faces Tension with Atlético Nacional Following Fan Dispute

Reports from Colombian media indicate that Edwin Cardona is facing a challenging time at Atlético Nacional, the club where he started his career in 2009 and is still seen as a star. After his return in 2023, he celebrated victories, including the Copa Colombia, the league title, and the Superliga. However, he has recently faced criticism for a controversial action directed at a group of fans during the clásico against Independiente Medellín.

This incident occurred after Atlético Nacional’s elimination in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against São Paulo, where Cardona missed two penalties in the first match and was red-carded in the second, leading to disappointment among fans. During the match against Medellín, he came off the bench to assist on Alfredo Morelos’ equalizer but celebrated in front of some fans, pointing at the team badge and shouting a remark that was seen as inappropriate.

Recognizing the backlash, Cardona later clarified his actions: “It was directed at those who were shouting at me, not at Atlético Nacional. I want to make sure it’s clear that it wasn’t aimed at the Sur stand. It was a reaction to the comments I heard when I was about to come on.” He emphasized, “In clásicos, I’m always very intense, but I would never celebrate a goal against Atlético Nacional fans.”

This situation resembles the issues he faced during his time in Argentine football. At Boca Juniors, where he played 92 matches and scored 18 goals along with 21 assists, he left amid criticism. Former director Jorge Bermúdez noted that “the continuity wasn’t what we expected,” citing ongoing fitness and discipline problems. Similar challenges arose at Racing, where he was eventually sidelined by Fernando Gago after 34 appearances, managing only two goals and one assist.