Alejandro Orfila fumes over VAR calls after Flamengo 2-0 Cusco in Libertadores | OneFootball

Flamengo beat Cusco 2-0 in their Copa Libertadores opener, yet the Peruvians reacted angrily. Alejandro Orfila, coach of the Group A bottom side, railed at the officiating and VAR over two key incidents.

According to Coluna Do Fla, Orfila argued that Plata should have been sent off for a challenge on Lucas Colitto and maintained a later Cusco strike was legitimate. He criticised referee Derlis López and VAR official Fernando López, adding Flamengo did not need such decisions.

With the game at 0-0, Plata’s studs caught Colitto’s foot in a challenge, VAR reviewed then allowed play to continue. Red cards are typically recommended when contact is from the ankle upwards, which was not the case.

Later, with Flamengo 1-0 up, Ruidías found the net but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside after review. At least four Cusco players voiced frustration online, with Ruidías calling the call absurd, Valenzuela labelling it incredible, Díaz sharing the image without comment and Zevallos questioning both the offside and the lack of a dismissal.

Former referee and Globo analyst PC Oliveira felt Plata did not merit a red card, though a booking was warranted. He did not engage on the offside, noting the lines had been drawn and the technology stood.

Source: Coluna Do Fla