Abel’s assistant claims referee compensated in derby, vents frustration

In partnership with

Gazeta Esportiva.com

·22. März 2026

Abel’s assistant claims referee compensated in derby, vents frustration

Palmeiras defeated São Paulo 1-0 this Saturday and took the lead in the Brazilian Championship. João Martins, the assistant coach of Verdão, was responsible for giving the press conference after Abel Ferreira's expulsion. Despite winning the Choque-Rei, the Portuguese criticized Brazilian refereeing, stating that there is a “compensation rule”.

“Sometimes you have to commit fouls, Andreas got that card to compensate for Enzo Díaz's card, it's part of it. We already know how the rules are here: since I gave a yellow to São Paulo, I will have to give a yellow to Palmeiras. This affects the game, it was clear this compensation. We've been here for five and a half years to know how the game rules are,” said the assistant coach of the green team.

OneFootball Videos

Palmeiras ended the classic with five players booked, in addition to the expulsion of coach Abel Ferreira. The first card of the game was for Enzo Díaz of São Paulo, at 23 minutes of the first half, but then Andreas, Carlos Miguel, Marlon Freitas, Emi Martínez, and Jhon Arias were booked.

João Martins also emphasized that it is not a criticism of Anderson Daronco, but rather of Brazilian refereeing. The assistant believes that all referees need to give cards to compensate.

“The compensation rule works very well, and we already know: when the opponent gets a yellow, we will get one next to compensate. Brazilian football is like this, it's not just Daronco, all referees manage the game this way, and we are here to adapt,” he added.

Palmeiras, which went into the classic with only Allan at risk of suspension, did not have any players suspended for the match against Grêmio. However, now the Verdão has five players at risk of suspension, with the addition of Arias, Andreas Pereira, Carlos Miguel, and Marlon Freitas.