Palmeiras contest referee account of Abel red card, release footage | OneFootball

Palmeiras released performance analysis footage on Thursday to challenge referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima’s report on coach Abel Ferreira’s red card against Fluminense. The club said in a statement that the account did not match reality.

Abel was dismissed for dissent at the end of a 2-1 win. The match report states he addressed assistant Fernanda Gomes Antunes and fourth official Luis Tisne in harsh terms, gestured with his arms and clapped ironically, and that staff had to restrain him as he left.

Using the footage, Palmeiras dispute that he addressed the assistant or clapped at the officials, arguing the applause was for defender Murilo before a post-match congratulation. They also reject the claim he had to be held back.

The club further argue that Felipe Fernandes de Lima did not witness the exchange with the fourth official and that the red card was decided via the communication system on the account of Luiz Tisne.

After the game, Abel said he protested to the fourth official over a late throw-in he believed should have gone to Palmeiras. He referenced a previous dismissal by Claus for clapping and noted that VAR does not intervene in such incidents.

He added that officials can err, recalled a stern discussion at half-time, and felt the fourth official took offence and was the one who sent him off. Abel will serve a suspension against Vasco on 15 March in the Brasileiro.

Source: Globo.com