Soccer

Weverton's knee on Léo Ortiz sparks outrage at Flamengo: “It was unnecessary,” says defender

The red-and-black defender spoke out after the clash with the Palmeiras goalkeeper and criticized his opponent's stance. The shot went through without VAR review, sparking debate

Léo Ortiz feels pain after a clash with Weverton in the first half. The player remained on the field, but criticized the goalkeeper's attitude. (Photo/Flamengo)
Léo Ortiz feels pain after a clash with Weverton in the first half. The player remained on the field, but criticized the goalkeeper's attitude. (Photo/Flamengo)

26 Mai 2025 | 14:50 |

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The direct confrontation between Flamengo and Palmeiras, in addition to influencing the top of the table, heated up the backstage due to a scene that raised questions about the refereeing criteria. Weverton's knee on Léo Ortiz did not generate any action from referee Ramon Abatti Abel or from VAR, commanded by Wagner Reway.


The incident occurred in the first half's injury time, when Luiz Araújo crossed the ball into the Palmeiras area. Weverton came out to cut the cross and, in the movement, kept his knee raised, hitting the red-and-black defender squarely in the back. Ortiz immediately fell to the ground, with a visible expression of pain.


PAST PROBLEMS


Despite the severity of the collision, the referee on the field did not even stop to review the play. The VAR also did not recommend a review, which increased the irritation among Flamengo players and generated questions on social media. After the match, Léo Ortiz spoke about the play. Without wanting to directly argue with the referee, the defender did not hide his discomfort with the Palmeiras goalkeeper's attitude.


— I won't go into too much detail about the refereeing, but I just think the knee wasn't necessary. I just went to see the play now, right? Because at the time I had my back turned and at no point did I go up to bump into him — said Ortiz


A GREAT MOMENT OF TENSION

On social media, Flamengo fans went even further. Many pointed out that, in other games, similar incidents led to VAR reviews or even expulsions. The incident fueled criticism of the inconsistency of Brazilian refereeing and the subjective criteria used in decisions. The CBF Refereeing Committee has not yet made an official statement on the case. Weverton's behavior, considered excessive by analysts and fans, may be evaluated internally, but it is unlikely to result in any type of subsequent punishment.

Internally, Flamengo treated the incident with caution. The assessment was that, although the play was aggressive, the most important thing was the fact that Léo Ortiz was not injured. The defender finished the game in pain, but is available to the coaching staff for the next match. On Wednesday (28), Flamengo returns to the field for the Libertadores. The team faces Deportivo Táchira, from Venezuela, at Maracanã, in the last round of the group stage. The ball starts rolling at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), and Rubro-Negro has already qualified for the round of 16.


Soccer

With Europe's harassment, Flamengo tries to speed up the renewal with Filipe Luís

Brazilian coach rules out leaving for Turkey, remains focused on the Mais Querido project and should sign a new contract renewal soon

Filipe Luís rejects Fenerbahçe's offer and is expected to renew his contract with Mengão, keeping his focus on Flamengo's project - photo: reproduction
Filipe Luís rejects Fenerbahçe's offer and is expected to renew his contract with Mengão, keeping his focus on Flamengo's project - photo: reproduction

13 Set 2025 | 16:18 |

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As initially revealed by journalists Rodrigo Mattos and Bruno Braz, Turkey's Fenerbahçe presented an official proposal to Filipe Luís's staff following José Mourinho's dismissal. The Turkish team positively evaluated the Brazilian coach's work and signaled financial compensation.


However, Filipe Luís quickly decided not to accept the offer. The board, led by Bap, along with the football department led by José Boto, acted behind the scenes to prevent the coach's loss.


After a year at the helm, Filipe Luís has won titles, worked consistently, and maintained a firm stance in leading the team. One of the most talked-about cases was Pedro's, which the coach resolved efficiently , reinforcing his internal management capabilities.


FLAMENGO PRESENTS PROPOSAL

According to Mônica Alves, the Rio de Janeiro club has already submitted a contract renewal proposal to Filipe Luís. The agreement is expected to be signed soon. Initially, the new contract will last for one more season, with the possibility of a two-year extension. Despite the financial compensation offered by Fenerbahçe, the coach preferred to continue working in Rio de Janeiro.


FLAMENGO REMAINS FOCUSED ON THE MATCHES

While negotiating the renewal, Rubro-Negro prepares for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão Betano Série A. Flamengo faces Juventude this Sunday (14), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul.


Soccer

Gerson makes decision about possible return to Flamengo

After a turbulent departure to Zenit, Gerson faces difficulties in Russia, is left out of the national team and has his return to Mengão ruled out by the board

Gerson faces dissatisfaction at Zenit, is left out of the Brazilian National Team and returns to Flamengo - photo: reproduction
Gerson faces dissatisfaction at Zenit, is left out of the Brazilian National Team and returns to Flamengo - photo: reproduction

13 Set 2025 | 16:06 |

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After the Club World Cup, Flamengo sold Gerson to Zenit St. Petersburg for €25 million. The deal was mired in controversy: the Rio de Janeiro board was angered by the player's and his agent's behavior during the negotiations. As a result, the midfielder was removed from the club's digital museum, a move that caused a stir on social media.


Gerson isn't in great form at Zenit . He was left out of the Brazilian national team's last call-up and has only played six matches in the current Russian Championship. Behind-the-scenes reports indicate that the player is unhappy with his situation in Russian football.


BAP RULES OUT RETURN


According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, Gerson has not requested a return to Mengão and intends to turn things around at Zenit , where he has a contract until mid-2030. The same investigation indicates that Luiz Eduardo Baptista (BAP), president of the club's Board of Directors, does not consider opening the door for the number 8's return.

BOTO WORKS FOR RENEWALS


While Gerson continues his journey in Russian football, the Mais Querido board is focusing its efforts on specific renewals . José Boto is working to extend Uruguayan Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028.

Furthermore, the manager is trying to unlock negotiations with Filipe Luís to ensure his continued coaching tenure . The initial offer was rejected, and the coach is demanding a salary increase to extend his contract.


Soccer

Internacional is sentenced and must pay million-dollar debt to Flamengo for Thiago Maia

CNRD orders Internacional to pay off debt of 1.47 million euros owed to Mais Querido by Thiago Maia, after Colorado's appeal was denied

Internacional is condemned by the CNRD and must pay more than R$9 million to Flamengo for Thiago Maia after appeal is denied - photo: reproduction
Internacional is condemned by the CNRD and must pay more than R$9 million to Flamengo for Thiago Maia after appeal is denied - photo: reproduction

13 Set 2025 | 15:51 |

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The dispute between Internacional and Flamengo over Thiago Maia's debt has entered a new chapter. According to information released by journalist Venê Casagrande, the Rio Grande do Sul club suffered another defeat at the National Chamber for Dispute Resolution (CNRD) , after having its "request for clarification" denied.


According to Venê Casagrande, Colorado still has the option of appealing to the Arbitration Chamber . However, this procedure is often costly and, in most cases, does not change decisions already made by the CNRD. Therefore, Flamengo is closely monitoring the case's developments and hopes to receive the amounts owed directly from Internacional.


The decision requires Internacional to pay €1,472,588.33 (approximately R$9 million at the current exchange rate) for the breach of contract involving Thiago Maia. In addition, the Rio Grande do Sul club must pay R$51,211.99 in legal costs.


NEGOTIATION WITH SANTOS

Back in 2025, during a transfer window, Santos tried to sign Thiago Maia . However, the deal ended up not moving forward precisely because of this legal dispute between Internacional and Flamengo .


ABOUT THAT...

While the board moves behind the scenes, Flamengo focuses its efforts on the next matches of the 2025 season. In the 23rd round of the Brasileirão Betano Série A, the Rio de Janeiro team faces Juventude this Sunday (14), at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium . Soon after, Mengão faces Estudiantes in the Libertadores, on the 18th.



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