Author: Soorya G
In an audio released by the Brazilian Football Confederation’s Refereeing Commission, referee Ramon Abbati Abel clarified the controversial expulsion of defender Maidana during the match between América-MG and Vasco. The reason cited for the red card was Maidana’s “excessive use of force” with an “elbow to the face” from Pablo Vegetti.
Before the VAR review was completed and the match referee consulted, the VAR team had already identified the incident as meriting a red card. According to the VAR referee, “He doesn’t make a move to get the ball down there. In my opinion, he makes contact with the upper arm, using the hard part. We have to consider the force of contact. In addition, there is an additional striking movement. For me, this is an act of aggression.“
Maidana’s dismissal at the end of the first half was met with strong objections from América-MG, who suggested that Vasco were being favored. In response, the Vasco board offered its perspective on the comments. In addition, the VAR review concluded that there was no foul committed by Jair during his goal in injury time, as he disputed the ball with Juninho. The review described the move as “fair”.
This is the latest incident of dissatisfaction with the referees, after Grêmio threatened to take legal action during the 4-4 draw with Fluminense. The officials of the refereeing commission were forced to acknowledge their mistake in public, after things seemed to have reached breaking point. The officials discussed the standard of refereeing and analyzed the decisions in a broadcast, and this incident marks another chapter in this story. With so many problems with refereeing, the Federation may have to look for a more concrete solution.
Vasco emerged victorious from the match with a 1-0 win, which allowed them to move out of the relegation zone in the Serie A of the Brazilian Championship after 18 rounds. América-MG, on the other hand, remained in penultimate position in the league.