Flamengo’s director José Boto spoke out after his team’s 2-0 win over Palmeiras. He claimed a Palmeiras director stormed into the referees’ locker room.
This happened after the game, which had two disputed penalties – one for each team.
Boto said: “We don’t usually talk about referees, but after the Palmeiras coach’s comments and seeing one of their directors kick his way into the referee’s locker room, we have to say something.”
The game was marked by controversy.
Palmeiras was given a penalty that Piquerez missed. Flamengo also got one.
Both teams questioned these calls.
Boto said: “If anyone should be complaining, it’s us. A penalty that wasn’t one, outside the box. The VAR said it was, but it wasn’t. Then another penalty that wasn’t given, but the VAR had to call it. A clear red card for a Palmeiras player, but only yellow was given. And doubts about the Palmeiras goalkeeper’s actions.”
Anderson Barros, Palmeiras’ executive director, strongly disagreed with Boto. He said: “If Boto said that, he’s a liar. I’m telling him directly – liar!”
Boto’s comments came after the match, where both teams had reasons to question the referee’s decisions.
The controversy started when a Palmeiras director allegedly entered the referees’ locker room, which Boto saw as unacceptable.