GOLAZONEWSVasco Protests Arbitration After Copa do Brasil Loss to Palmeiras
- Palmeiras secured a 1-0 victory over Vasco in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal.
- Vasco's leadership strongly criticized referee Anderson Daronco and the VAR team following the match.
- The main points of contention were an uncalled penalty for a handball by Palmeiras' Barboza and a second yellow card for Vasco's Saldivia.
Palmeiras defeated Vasco 1-0 in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal on Sunday at Nubank Parque. The match concluded with significant controversy surrounding the officiating, drawing strong reactions from Vasco's management.
Vasco's president, Pedrinho, along with technical director Felipe Maestro, confronted referee Anderson Daronco after the game to express dissatisfaction. Their primary complaint centered on an uncalled penalty early in the second half, when Palmeiras defender Barboza appeared to handle the ball inside the area during a challenge with Lescano. Arbitration commentator PC Oliveira later affirmed that Barboza's action constituted a penalty. Vasco's director Admar Lopes also voiced severe criticism of Daronco and the VAR, alleging that their decisions could impact the match's outcome and specifically citing the uncalled handball and a second yellow card for defender Saldivia.
Meanwhile, Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira initially sidestepped questions regarding arbitration. He later stated his intention to cease discussing refereeing matters, citing potential damage to his public image. Ferreira also referenced an incident involving Lucas Evangelista, who he claimed was struck in the face.