Atlético-MG expresses outrage over refereeing following a Copa do Brasil draw, joining Flamengo in a wave of criticism.
The Brazilian soccer landscape remains in turmoil following recent protests by clubs against officiating. After Flamengo issued a statement last Saturday, Atlético-MG joined the chorus of dissatisfaction this Sunday, expressing their “indignation” and calling for an “impartial” officiating crew for their upcoming matches. The controversy centers on a pivotal non-call during the first leg of their Copa do Brasil tie against Juventude.
The Minas Gerais side, which drew 0-0 with the team from Rio Grande do Sul at Arena MRV, points to a “clear penalty” involving player Natanael that was allegedly ignored by both the on-field officials and the VAR. The club has announced it will take “appropriate measures” with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the refereeing commission, seeking clarification on the criteria used and demanding steps to ensure the credibility of the competition.
Complaint regarding a crucial moment in the Copa do Brasil
The official statement released by Atlético-MG details their dissatisfaction with the officiating during Saturday’s match, specifically regarding the uncalled penalty. The club aims to ensure that similar situations do not recur, especially in the second leg, which will take place in Caxias do Sul (RS). They are calling for “impartial and reliable” officiating for the decisive match. In the same communication, the club also issued a warning to player Reinier for offensive behavior toward a fan.
Flamengo and the argument of bias
The previous day, Flamengo had already spoken out publicly, citing an alleged “repeated benefit” given to Palmeiras by officials in the Brazilian Serie A. The club argued that on-field decisions have the potential to alter the race for titles and qualification spots, presenting an analysis of data accumulated over the seasons.
The Flamengo statement specifically named referees Alex Gomes Stefano (on-field) and Marco Aurélio Augusto Fazekas Ferreira (VAR) in relation to the match between Palmeiras and Vitória, which resulted in two Vitória players being sent off in the first half. The Rio-based club, while acknowledging the CBF‘s investments in officiating, advocates for the accountability of professionals for serious errors and for failing to curb behaviors that undermine the integrity of the sport.
The impact of these statements could lead to increased pressure for transparency and rigor in refereeing decisions across all national competitions. The Copa do Brasil, with its decisive stages approaching, and the Brazilian Serie A, with fierce battles at both ends of the table, demand a high level of confidence in the match officials to maintain the sport’s credibility.
