Macnelly Torres slams Edwin Cardona and Brayan León's celebration in the Clásico Paisa: "There is no justification"

Former Atlético Nacional star Macnelly Torres has condemned the actions of Edwin Cardona and Brayan León during the Clásico Paisa.

The pair were criticized for their provocative goal celebrations in the match between Nacional and Independiente Medellín.

Torres, who played for Nacional from 2006 to 2008 and from 2012 to 2014, said that there was "no justification" for the players' behavior.

"They are professionals and they should know better," Torres said. "They should be setting an example for the younger players, not acting like hooligans."

Cardona scored the opening goal for Medellín in the match, which Nacional went on to win 2-1. He celebrated by running to the corner flag and making a throat-slitting gesture.

León, who was sent off in the second half, celebrated his goal by making a "cuckold" gesture towards the Nacional fans.

Torres said that the players' celebrations were disrespectful to Nacional and their fans.

"They are lucky that they didn't get sent off," Torres said. "They should be ashamed of themselves."

Nacional coach Hernán Darío Herrera also criticized the players' behavior.

"It's not the way to behave," Herrera said. "We are a professional club and we expect our players to act accordingly."

Cardona has since apologized for his celebration, but León has not.

Conclusion

The actions of Edwin Cardona and Brayan León have been widely condemned by fans, pundits, and former players.

It is important for professional footballers to conduct themselves in a respectful manner, both on and off the field.

Cardona and León's actions were a disgrace to the game of football and they should be punished accordingly.