Midfielder Jorginho, from Flamengo, was prevented by CONMEBOL from speaking to the press after being sent off in the crucial Libertadores quarter-final match against Del Valle.
The 1-1 draw between Flamengo and Independiente del Valle (ECU), in the second leg of the Libertadores quarter-finals, marked the Rio de Janeiro team’s qualification for the tournament’s semifinals. However, one of the most talked-about incidents was the expulsion of midfielder Jorginho during the decisive match at the Maracanã.
After the final whistle, the player attempted to provide explanations to the press in the mixed zone but was promptly blocked by CONMEBOL. The decision is based on a specific regulation from the governing body, which prohibits players who receive a red card from giving interviews immediately after the match concludes, sparking discussions about transparency in critical moments.
The CONMEBOL Rule
The rule that prevented Jorginho from speaking is a strict standard adopted by the South American football confederation. This protocol is universally applied to all individuals on the field who receive a red card. A notable example of this application was when Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras‘ coach, was also prohibited from speaking after an expulsion in a Libertadores game.
The Incident of the Expulsion
The caution that removed Jorginho from the game occurred in the 19th minute of the second half. The Flamengo midfielder committed a foul by hitting the face of player Alcívar with his arm, resulting in a second yellow card and, consequently, a red card. Referee Andrés Matonte did not hesitate to apply the punishment after the contact.
First Yellow Card
Jorginho‘s first yellow card had been issued shortly before, in the tenth minute of the second half. The infraction was for pulling the jersey of opponent Perelló, from Independiente del Valle, preventing a promising counter-attack. It was a classic stopping play, which resulted in an immediate warning from the referee.
Next Steps in the Libertadores
Due to the expulsion, Jorginho will have to serve an automatic suspension in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal. Flamengo will face Estudiantes (ARG), the team that eliminated Corinthians in the quarter-finals. The first leg is scheduled for the week of October 14th, in the Argentine team’s home stadium.
Return and Home Decider
The good news for Flamengo and the player is that Jorginho will be back for the second leg of the semifinal. The decisive match for a spot in the grand final will be played at the Maracanã in the week of October 21st. The Rubro-Negro club earned the right to decide at home by having the best overall campaign in the group stage of the competition.
Jorginho‘s absence in the first semifinal match of the Libertadores against Estudiantes represents a challenge for Flamengo, which will need to adjust its strategy without the midfielder. Meanwhile, the club’s attention also turns to the Brazilian Serie A, where Leonardo Jardim‘s team faces Red Bull Bragantino this Sunday (20). Expectations are high for the player’s return in the decisive match at the Maracanã, with fans hoping for another strong performance to secure a spot in the South American competition final.
