Atletico-MG goalkeeper Everson has reignited the controversy surrounding Arrascaeta‘s decisive goal in the 2022 Copa do Brasil, claiming the ball did not fully cross the line.
Atletico-MG‘s elimination by Flamengo in the Round of 16 of the 2022 Copa do Brasil remains one of the most controversial chapters in the recent history between the two clubs. Even years later, goalkeeper Everson insists that the second goal scored by Uruguayan midfielder Arrascaeta, which secured Flamengo’s qualification at the Maracana, was irregular.
In a recent interview with the Charla Podcast, the goalkeeper recalled the play from July 13, 2022, and questioned the validity of the play, which at the time was confirmed on the pitch by the officiating crew led by Wilton Pereira Sampaio, with the assistance of VAR.
The goalkeeper’s version
The Atletico-MG goalkeeper argues that his privileged view on the pitch gives him conviction about what happened. For him, the technology available at the time was not sufficient to validate the goal, thus maintaining the initial decision of the assistant referee.
Everson stated:
“The linesman behind my back gives the goal. The play goes to VAR and Wilton says: ‘We don’t have conclusive images and the decision stands as called on the pitch.’ For me, as a goalkeeper, that ball did not fully cross the line”
What the CBF audio revealed
The controversy, which at the time prompted the Galo board to formally request explanations from the CBF, found technical backing in the audio released by the organization. The recording confirmed that the VAR, under the command of Pablo Ramon Gonçalves Pinheiro, did not have a clear angle to determine whether the ball had crossed the goal line following Arrascaeta‘s header.
In the booth, the decision was cautious: the video assistant referee communicated to the field that there was no conclusive image, choosing to uphold the call of the assistant referee, who had already validated the goal. The lack of definitive visual evidence kept the score at 2-0, sealing Flamengo’s aggregate comeback.
A legacy of rivalry
The clash between Atletico-MG and Flamengo has established itself as one of the biggest national rivalries of recent years. While that 2022 triumph propelled the Rubro-Negro toward the competition title, the relationship between the teams remained intense, featuring exchanged taunts and memorable matchups, such as the 2024 Copa do Brasil final and their meeting at the Arena MRV in 2025.
Bringing the topic back into the public debate highlights how refereeing episodes shape the memories of both fans and the athletes themselves.
Equipe M360
