The officiating of the match between Vitória and Palmeiras in the Brazilian Serie A sparked strong reactions. Referee Alex Gomes Estefano detailed in the match report the criteria for the controversial sendings off.
Referee Alex Gomes Estefano’s officiating was the central point of tension in the clash between Vitória and Palmeiras, held this Wednesday (29) at Barradão stadium in Salvador. The match, part of the country’s top-tier football league, was marked by strict decisions that directly impacted the game’s progression.
The main reason for indignation from the Vitória board was Maurício’s continued presence on the field, despite a collision that resulted in a serious injury to defender Cacá. The Bahian club’s president, Fábio Mota, stated that the defender required five stitches to his chin due to the force of the impact.
The Justifications in the Match Report
After the final whistle, the release of the official match report by the CBF revealed the details behind the decisions. Regarding Cacá’s red card, the referee cited serious foul play:
In the 37th minute of the first half, I issued a direct red card to player no. 25, Mr. Carlos de Menezes Junior, for hitting opponent, player no. 11, in the shin with a tackle, using the sole of his boot with excessive force.
As for Luan Cândido, who received a red card shortly after, the referee reported a disrespectful reaction:
I issued a direct red card to player no. 36, Mr. Luan Cândido de Almeida, for making a ‘stealing’ gesture with both hands, implying theft by the officiating team, in protest of player no. 25’s sending off.
Controversy Surrounding Maurício
In the same document, Alex Gomes Estefano recorded the reason for only issuing a yellow card to midfielder Maurício in the challenge for the ball with Cacá. According to the report, the foul was classified as striking an opponent in a reckless manner during a challenge for the ball, due to improper use of the arms, which further fueled debates among fans and sports commentators.
The M360 team is following the unfolding of these decisions. The referee’s conduct continues to be one of the most discussed topics of the Brazilian Serie A round, with Vitória promising to seek formal explanations from the national football’s governing body regarding the criteria adopted in the use of VAR.
M360 Team
