Grêmio vice claims Inter stoked hostile Gre-Nal atmosphere with orchestrated campaign | OneFootball

Grêmio vice-president of football Antônio Dutra Júnior accused Internacional of orchestrating a campaign to inflame the Gre-Nal ahead of Sunday’s Gauchão final at Beira-Rio at 18:00. According to Globo.com, he made the remarks at a Saturday news conference at the Arena.

Grêmio won the first leg 3-0 at the Arena. Inter must win by three to force penalties, or by four to overturn the deficit and take the title. A draw, a narrow Grêmio win or a two-goal defeat would crown the Tricolor.

Inter publicly criticised refereeing after the match. Early in the week, the release of VAR reviews of disputed incidents prompted the club to issue a statement, and it then met the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol to discuss officiating.

Dutra said a routine passage of play, in which an Inter player made a poor decision that led to a dismissal, was used to build a hostile narrative. He alleged an orchestrated drive by people linked to Inter, including journalists and content creators, which, in his view, recast a normal result as something illicit and close to accusing Grêmio of stealing the competition. He also referred to a newspaper column and said such interventions stoked tempers and harmed the spectacle.

Grêmio asked the CBF to send a refereeing commission representative to monitor the match environment and decisions, while Inter made a similar request to Conmebol. The FGF criticised both clubs. Dutra added that seeking special attention from the CBF is the club’s right to protect its players, and he hoped the game would proceed normally.

Source: Globo.com