VAR storm ignites as Palmeiras rage after Flamengo win | OneFootball

Flamengo’s 2-0 away win at Allianz Parque over Palmeiras was not without post-match controversy, as criticism from the home side’s staff focused squarely on officiating decisions, particularly those involving video review.

João Martins, serving as acting head coach for Palmeiras with Abel Ferreira suspended, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the way key incidents were handled by referee Ramon Abatti Abel and the VAR team. The main point of contention was the penalty awarded to Flamengo following a challenge on Arrascaeta. Initially, play was allowed to continue, but after intervention from the VAR, a review led to the penalty being given—a decision Martins took issue with, describing the process as “jeitinho brasileiro” and calling the referee “amateur.”

Martins questioned why, in his view, the rules were not applied consistently, citing an example from a recent Copa de Portugal final where a referee’s on-field penalty decision stood without VAR interference. “Nowadays, VAR commands the game, Ramon doesn’t make decisions unless informed by VAR,” Martins remarked. He further criticized the reversal of the on-field decision despite the referee being well-positioned to judge the encounter, saying, “Ramon was a meter away and let play follow, but the external pressure is so much that VAR calls and reinforces with images. This is amateurism.”

Palmeiras also had their own penalty awarded earlier in the match—after a handball from Flamengo’s Varela—though Piquerez failed to convert. Another appeal from Palmeiras, this time for a foul on Vitor Roque, was waved away, and VAR did not recommend a review, leading to further frustration among the hosts. Martins—clearly frustrated—implied it was “impossible” for two penalties to be given against Flamengo in the same match, in another pointed remark about the officiating.

Despite the defeat and the controversy, the result tightened the title race at the top of the Brasilerão. Palmeiras remained in first place with 22 points after ten rounds, with Flamengo now just a point behind. Both clubs will continue their campaigns with plenty at stake, while the fallout from the high-profile fixture’s refereeing decisions is likely to fuel debate in the weeks ahead.

Source: Globo