Coutinho booed at São Januário as Diniz defends after Vasco’s 1-0 Bahia loss | OneFootball

Philippe Coutinho was booed for the first time since returning to Vasco in a 1-0 home loss to Bahia at São Januário, his late substitution drawing protests from sections of the crowd.

According to Globo.com, the No 10 was replaced by Johan Rojas in the 37th minute of the second half, prompting mixed reactions at São Januário.

He had Vasco’s best early opening at four minutes from an Andrés Gómez pass but shot straight at a defender. Below his usual rhythm, he managed four efforts, one a first-half free-kick saved by Ronaldo.

Quieter after the break, he saw few chances to shoot. In his press conference Diniz defended him, describing Coutinho as a gift for Vasco and an exceptional player, and said fans were entitled to boo. He accepted responsibility and had cups thrown towards the pitch as he left.

Even so, Coutinho has four goal contributions in 2026, three goals and one assist in six matches. He also played a part in both goals in the 2-0 win over Botafogo in the Campeonato Carioca.

Vasco consider him central to their plans and he has been captain since late last year. Talks have begun to extend his contract, which runs to June this year, at least until the end of the year.

The defeat drops Vasco into the Brasileirão relegation zone with one point from three games. Next up are Volta Redonda on Saturday in the Campeonato Carioca quarter-finals, then Santos away next Thursday at Vila Belmiro.

Source: Globo.com