NOW! CONMEBOL reverses punishment and Plata can play in the return match for Flamengo

Flamengo beat Estudiantes (ARG) 2-1 at Maracanã, but the performance of Colombian referee Andrés Rojas became the big talk of the night. Due to numerous errors made by the referee, Mengão released an official statement this Friday (19) where it criticizes the way the match was conducted and demands a position from Conmebol .

Flamengo's official statement on the refereeing against Estudiantes: "obvious biased conduct"

CHECK OUT THE NOTE EXCERPT

“Clube de Regatas do Flamengo hereby announces that it will take action with CONMEBOL regarding the refereeing performance in the match against Estudiantes de La Plata , played this Thursday, for the CONMEBOL Libertadores.

What was seen on the field, led by Colombian referee Andres Rojas, was a parade of mistakes and decisions that went beyond the limits of human error, revealing biased conduct, with different treatment for the two teams , directly compromising the sporting result and the credibility of the competition.

The match footage is clear and indisputable, revealing the enormity of the errors committed. Reversed fouls and disproportionately awarded yellow cards against Flamengo reveal the imbalance in the referee's decisions favoring the visiting team.

There was a penalty committed due to an intentional handball by the defender in a dispute for the ball with Luiz Araújo, and the subsequent expulsion of Gonzalo Plata, punished with a second yellow card in a play in which he was the one who suffered the foul ,” wrote the club.

HOW THE EXPULSION CHANGED THE GAME

Flamengo was leading 2-0, with goals from Pedro and Varela, and was in control of the match. However, Gonzalo Plata's red card changed the scenario. Down ten men, Flamengo retreated, and Estudiantes grew in the duel. In stoppage time, Guido Carrillo pulled one back and kept the Argentines alive in the match . Now, Mengão plays for a draw in the return match, scheduled for next Thursday (25), in La Plata, to advance to the Libertadores semifinals.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Before the decision in Argentina, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brasileirão. Next Sunday (18), Filipe Luís' team faces Vasco, at 5:30 pm, at Maracanã , in a classic valid for the 24th round. The second match against Estudiantes will be next Thursday (25).

Flamengo left the Maracanã pitch outraged last Thursday (18), after the refereeing of Andrés Rojas directly interfered in the duel against Estudiantes . The expulsion of Gonzalo Plata, considered unfair by the club, is the main point of dispute, and Rubro-Negro will try to reverse the decision with Conmebol.

THE CLIMATE AT MARACANÃ

The start of the game was overwhelming: Flamengo took a 2-0 lead in just eight minutes and controlled their opponent. However, the Colombian referee's stance angered the red-and-blacks. Contested cards, overturned fouls, and the way the game was conducted increased the team's anger .

In the final stage, the situation worsened. Samuel Lino had a penalty ignored, Saúl and Bruno Henrique received yellow cards , and Plata was sent off in a play in which, in Flamengo's view, he was the one fouled . After the final whistle, players, directors, and even Filipe Luís harshly criticized the refereeing.

THE PRECEDENT THAT EXCITES FLAMENGO

The club is banking on a similar incident that occurred in the 2018 Copa Libertadores to try to overturn Plata's card. Cruzeiro defender Dedé was unfairly sent off against Boca Juniors after accidentally colliding with goalkeeper Andrada .

The expulsion generated significant backlash, and then-president of the Refereeing Committee, Wilson Seneme, acknowledged the error . CONMEBOL's Disciplinary Court lifted the suspension, and Dedé was able to play in the second leg. Now, Flamengo hopes the same thing will happen with Plata, but with a happy ending on the field.

WHAT'S AHEAD

While awaiting the entity's analysis, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brasileirão. On Sunday (21), Rubro-Negro faces Vasco, at 5:30 pm, at Maracanã, in a classic for the 24th round . Afterwards, it faces the decisive return game against Estudiantes, next Thursday (25), in La Plata.

Flamengo's restructuring continues off the field as well . This Thursday (18), the club announced that Raul Plassmann, former 1981 world champion goalkeeper and historic idol, will be Mengão's newest official ambassador .

Raul Plassmann on his role as Flamengo ambassador: "It's emotion on top of emotion"

In a statement, Rubro-Negro explained that Raul will represent the club at institutional events and will play a fundamental role in strengthening the relationship with the Nação Rubro-Negra , in addition to seeking better care for its idols.

" Raul is a symbol of leadership, technique, and unforgettable achievements . Having him as an ambassador keeps Flamengo 's memory alive and inspires future generations," said club president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap.

IDOL OF THE GOLDEN GENERATION

Raul Plassmann made his mark at Flamengo as part of the legendary Golden Generation, which achieved historic achievements. With the club, the former goalkeeper won the Libertadores and the 1981 Club World Cup, in addition to winning three Brazilian Championships (1980, 1982 and 1983) and four Carioca Championships (1978, 1979 — twice — and 1981).

RAUL'S WORD

In his introductory speech, Raul emphasized the excitement of returning to represent the club: " It's a great feeling and a lot of responsibility, just like in 1978, in my debut match for Flamengo in La Coruña . The goal is where everything happens; you cry, laugh, celebrate, and cheer. It's emotion upon emotion. As an ambassador, I see a great similarity: once again I feel emotion and responsibility alongside you, a nation of 45 million fans. Once Flamengo, always Flamengo."

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Before the decision against Estudiantes, in Argentina, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brasileirão. On Sunday (18), at 5:30 pm, Filipe Luís' team faces Vasco , at Maracanã, in a game valid for the 24th round. The return of the Libertadores quarterfinals will be played next Thursday (25).