Andrés Rojas’ dark night: home press slams Libertadores display | OneFootball

Colombian Media Outlets React to the Match Between Flamengo and Estudiantes (ARG)

Criticized by the Brazilian press, referee Andrés Rojas did not escape scrutiny in his home country either. After negatively impacting Flamengo in their 2-1 victory over Estudiantes (ARG), Colombian media, the referee's homeland, raised the tone on the performance of the 'man in black'.

On the 'Sports' channel, Rojas's performance was called “Jugada maestra en detalle: la oscura noche de Andrés Rojas”. In free translation, “Masterstroke in detail: the dark night of Andrés Rojas“. On the other hand, 'El Tiempo' featured the following headline: “Scandal! The blunder of Andrés Rojas that could cost him the World Cup”, referring to a possible appointment for next year's World Cup.

WHAT DID ANDRÉS ROJAS DO IN THE FLAMENGO VS ESTUDIANTES MATCH?

The complaints from Flamengo against Rojas are varied. The Rubro-Negro laments a penalty not awarded to Samuel Lino at the start of the second half. Additionally, the club saw an exaggeration in yellow cards, especially the warnings to Saúl and Bruno Henrique.

The club also laments the reversal of fouls and even a handball in the play that resulted in Estudiantes' goal. However, the main incident of the game involved Gonzalo Plata. Brought down in the area, which should have been a penalty for Flamengo, turned into an offensive foul and a second yellow card for the Ecuadorian. Earlier, an opponent had touched the ball with his hand inside the area.

With one player down, Flamengo couldn't withstand the pressure from Estudiantes and conceded a goal in stoppage time. Thus, the match ended 2-1, and the Rubro-Negro will have a minimal advantage for the return match. Therefore, Mengo can draw in La Plata on Thursday (25) to stay alive in the Copa Libertadores.

WILL PLATA BE ABLE TO PLAY THE RETURN MATCH AGAINST ESTUDIANTES?

Despite the red card, Plata is cleared to play against Estudiantes. This is because Flamengo appealed, and Conmebol recognized the error in the incident. Thus, the number 50 is available to Filipe Luís for the continuation of the Libertadores.

Before that, however, Flamengo with Plata faces Vasco this Sunday (21) in the Brasileirão. The match kicks off at 5:30 PM (Brasília time) at Maracanã, with Flamengo aiming to maintain their lead in the national league standings.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.