In a top of the standings clash, Ecuador League leader Deportivo Cuenca lost 2-1 to Barcelona of Guayaquil. Cuenca's players then mobbed the referee, protesting a first-half ejection and a stoppage-time goal. But they were kept at bay by police, who downed goalkeeper Damian Lanza and Marcelo Velasco with tear gas. Both were rendered unconscious and had to be stretchered off and rushed to the hospital. Cuenca's Argentine coach Julio Assad also got a whiff of the gas and was treated at the stadium. The players were released from the hospital within hours. Cuenca has requested foreign referees for its final two games.