Boto slams refereeing in Flamengo games: "Not a coincidence"

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·31 de agosto de 2025

Boto slams refereeing in Flamengo games: "Not a coincidence"

Flamengo’s Football Director, José Boto, Complained About the Lack of Consistency from Referees

Flamengo drew 1-1 with Grêmio in a match marked by referee Paulo Cesar Zanovelli’s lack of consistency. On several occasions, the referee made questionable decisions regarding fouls that should have favored Fla. Additionally, Zanovelli even gave a yellow card to Léo Ortiz in a play where the defender didn’t even commit a foul. As a result, football director José Boto spoke to the press at the end of the match, expressing his dissatisfaction.

Opponents play with the weapons they have; the stupidity lies with the refereeing. We had over 70% possession, and the referee still managed to call more fouls against us than against the opponent. The math is impossible. A team with more offensive volume doesn’t commit more fouls; this is a compromised pattern. This harms us more than the way our opponents play—everyone plays legitimately, but this is different, he said, before continuing: It’s not about the penalty—the penalty was correctly awarded. But it’s the fouls, breaking up the game, and even giving cards to our players for plays that weren’t even fouls. The refereeing wasn’t the main reason we didn’t win; their goalkeeper made some great saves… but it’s concerning (the refereeing) because it blocks our offensive play and disrupts the flow of the game. This isn’t the first time it’s happened, and it doesn’t seem to be a coincidence.

How Was the Flamengo vs Grêmio Match?

As mentioned by José Boto, Flamengo dominated the match statistics. Despite the 1-1 draw, the Rubro-Negro created more chances, with 21 shots compared to Grêmio’s 6. In addition, goalkeeper Tiago Volpi made four decisive saves to secure the result.

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How Does the Brasileirão Standings Look?

Despite the draw, Flamengo remains the sole leader of the Brasileirão. The Rubro-Negro has 47 points from 21 matches, with Cruzeiro as the closest team, with 44 points from 22 games. However, it’s important to note that Palmeiras could reach 45 points if they beat Corinthians in their match on Sunday night (31).

What Is Flamengo’s Next Match?

Now, Flamengo pauses for the FIFA international break and returns to the field only on September 14, when they face Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi. The team from Rio Grande do Sul is currently in 17th place but won against Ceará in the last round and is showing excitement to turn around their negative situation in the Brasileirão.

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