Records of cases of racism in football grow in 2023

Flamengo was eliminated from the Libertadores by Peñarol, last Thursday, in Montevideo. Rubro-Negro were unable to come back from 0-0 and were unable to reverse the advantage that the Uruguayans gained at Maracanã. In a post on social media, Arrascaeta lamented the fall in the competition and expressed his love for the Rio club.

“Since I was a child, I have always dreamed of playing and winning the Libertadores. This dream that seemed impossible was realized, but getting there took a lot of work and a lot of struggle. In fact, I've always had to fight to get everything I have. Since I was a child, this is what my parents taught me, self-love, humility and gratitude. But when things don't go the way we want, and your character is questioned, the only way we have is to show our value. I always say: either you are Flamengo or you are against Flamengo. And I chose to be. And it will be like this until my last day at the club. Thank you everyone for your support at this difficult time”, wrote the Uruguayan star.

The Uruguayan's outburst is also linked to the recent criticisms that circulated on social media. As a child, Arrascaeta was a Peñarol fan and, since arriving at Flamengo, he has never hidden his desire to defend the club.

Arrascaeta was only the third player to speak out after the elimination. Shortly after the final whistle, Fabrício Bruno spoke to the press. Rossi also participated in the press conference alongside coach Tite. In the mixed zone of the Campeón del Siglo, no athlete stopped to give an interview.

The midfielder was one of the most criticized players due to his performance in the match against Peñarol. The physical form below expectations for this moment of the season and the technical performance below what Arrascaeta already demonstrated at Flamengo were the main targets of comments from the red and blacks.

The Flamengo, one of the most powerful clubs and with the biggest fans in Brazilian football, faces a crisis that goes beyond the four lines. Amid inconsistent results and a constant dance of coaches, the root of the problem appears to be within the club itself. The phrase from former coach Domenec Torrent, who categorically states that "Flamengo's problem is within Flamengo", points to an internal disorganization that is reflected on the field. And this does not depend on the coach in charge — whether renowned or unknown. According to Torrent, as long as internal issues are not resolved, the team will continue to face difficulties, regardless of who is in charge.

Torrent's comment is not just limited to a superficial diagnosis. The coach, who had a brief and turbulent spell at the club, had a view from inside the dressing room and dealt directly with problems that today seem to persist. When he mentions that the difficulties would continue with any big name, such as Ancelotti, Klopp or Guardiola, the message he sends is clear: the situation goes beyond tactics or game philosophy. It is structural and is deeply rooted in behavior and internal attitudes.

The expression "While these two are at Flamengo, anyone can come" also reinforces the idea that there are specific figures within the club who make it difficult to develop consistent work. Even without mentioning names, it is understood that there is an unresolved power relationship between the main actors in charge of the club. This apparently negative influence crosses different administrations and prevents any coach, no matter how competent and respected he may be, from implementing his ideas and establishing a lasting game model.

To better understand the impact of Torrent's statements, it is important remember the context in which he took over Flamengo. The Spanish coach arrived at the club in 2020, shortly after the departure of Jorge Jesus, a coach who had achieved almost everything with the team and left a legacy that would be difficult to overcome. Expectations were high, but Torrent had difficulty adapting to Brazilian football and was harshly criticized for his choices and lack of significant results. His stay was short and ended bitterly, but his observations left an important point: Flamengo's internal environment does not favor the continuity of work, no matter how competent the coach is.

Flamengo will face Corinthians next Wednesday (02), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), in the first game of the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil. In preparation for this interstate classic, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the full referee schedule for the match that will take place at Maracanã.

Goiás referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio will be responsible for refereeing Flamengo x Corinthians , with Bruno Raphael Pires (GO) and Bruno Boschilla (PR) as assistants. The VAR will be under the supervision of Rodolpho Toski Marques from Paraná. It is important to highlight that this match is crucial, as it is worth an advantage in the fight for a place in the final of the Copa do Brasil.

Flamengo entered the Copa do Brasil in the third phase, where they started beating Amazonas with 1-0 victories in both the first and second rounds. In the round of 16, the team faced Palmeiras, winning the first leg 2-0 and losing the second leg 1-0, totaling an aggregate score of 2-1. In the quarter-finals, Rubro-Negro guaranteed its classification by winning Bahia, again 1-0, both at Arena Fonte Nova and Maracanã.

In the semifinals, Flamengo will face Corinthians as their opponent , while Vasco faces Atlético-MG on the other side of the bracket. The matches will take place in the weeks of October 2nd and 17th. After the draw, it was decided that Rubro-Negro will start the dispute at home and decide their place in the final at the Neo Química Arena.

Before focusing on the Copa do Brasil, Flamengo will turn its attention to the Brazilian Championship. Next Sunday (29), the red and black team will face Athletico-PR, at 8 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a match valid for the 27th round of the competition.