Argentina football club Deportivo Riestra has faced accusations of showing a lack of respect for football after including a social media influencer in their starting lineup for a top-flight match against leaders Velez Sarsfield on Monday.

Ivan Buhajeruk, better known as 'Spreen,' boasts over 8 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 5 million followers on Instagram. Despite having no professional football experience, he was named as a striker by coach Cristian Fabbiani. The 24-year-old was substituted after just 50 seconds during the first break in play, without ever touching the ball.

The Buenos Aires club, renowned for their unconventional marketing strategies, signed Buhajeruk to a professional contract and registered him with the Argentine FA in February. He began training with the team last Tuesday.

Deportivo Riestra executives defended the move, citing it as a promotional push for their main sponsor, an energy drink company. However, some current and former players criticized the decision.

'What happened today was a lack of respect for football, it sends the wrong message to society, especially to kids who work hard,' said Velez striker Braian Romero, who scored from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute to open the scoring.

Former Argentina international Juan Sebastian Veron, now president of Argentine club Estudiantes de la Plata, expressed his disapproval on Instagram, calling it 'a total lack of respect for football and footballers.'

Deportivo Riestra's captain Milton Celiz revealed that the idea for Buhajeruk to take the pitch originated from Victor Stinfale, who owns both the club and the sponsoring energy drink company.

'As a streamer, he is number one,' Celiz said when questioned about Buhajeruk's skills.

Fabbiani informed a local radio station that he had discussed the matter with Velez coach Gustavo Quinteros before the match, assuring him that he did not intend to disrespect anyone. 'He laughed and told me to leave him for half an hour,' Fabbiani recounted. 'It's a contractual obligation that was agreed upon long ago, and the club relies heavily on publicity... it was likely a one-time occurrence.'

Nicolás Caro Torres equalized for Deportivo Riestra in the 63rd minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Velez Sarsfield leads the Primera Division with 43 points, while Deportivo Riestra, in their debut season in the Argentina top flight, sits ninth with 31 points.

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