Cruzeiro’s Matheus Pereira was left speechless after referee Rodrigo de Lima asked his assistant for Pereira’s name during their 1-1 draw with São Paulo in the Brasileirão. The 28-year-old, a Sporting graduate, was already frustrated after being shown a yellow card for protesting.
As he walked off, de Lima was heard asking, “What’s his name again?” Pereira, quick to react, shot back without turning around, “He doesn’t even know my name.” The moment was captured live on TV, leaving commentators stunned.
The incident isn’t just about the yellow card
The exchange has raised questions about de Lima’s familiarity with the Cruzeiro player. Matheus Pereira has been a key player for the team, and his identity shouldn’t be unknown to the referee.
Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the incident.
- Some called it a “rookie mistake” from the referee.
- Others joked that de Lima must have been too focused on the game to remember Pereira’s name.
The incident has sparked a lively debate among football fans, with many weighing in on the referee’s professionalism. As one fan put it, a referee should know the players, especially the key ones.
Referee asks assistant for Matheus Pereira’s name after giving him a yellow card. Matheus responds, “He doesn’t know my name.”
📽️: @tvglobo pic.twitter.com/k3cgAGqgz4
— LIBERTA DEPRE (@liberta___depre) April 13, 2025