In statement, Série A club hits out at Abel Ferreira, here's why | OneFootball

Vitória released an official statement this Thursday (30) after Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras’ coach, spoke about center-back Luan Cândido, one of the players sent off in the match between the two teams last Wednesday (29).

After Cacá’s red card, Luan left Vitória with nine men on the field for making a “robbery” gesture that was allegedly spotted by VAR.

In the press conference, Abel mentioned the player’s “history” — interestingly, he came through Palmeiras’ academy — while stressing that the rule was followed.

"Do you know Luan Cândido’s history? Do you (journalist) know his history? Well, you should. That’s one of your jobs. The gesture is clear. The gesture is very clear (...) and the referee followed the rules," said Abel.

One of the points raised in Vitória’s statement was the high number of red cards received by the Portuguese coach compared to the dismissals of Luan, a defender: 

"Player Luan Cândido made his professional debut in 2020 and, since then, has accumulated six send-offs in six years of his career, which corresponds to an average of one send-off per season, with four straight red cards and two dismissals for two yellow cards. For a defender, this is considered a low number.

During the same period, coach Abel Ferreira has accumulated 13 send-offs in official matches. A number that represents more than double the amount recorded by our player and, above all, comes from a professional who should be setting an example for his players."

Then 18 years old, Luan Cândido was sold by Palmeiras to Leipzig in March 2019 for around 8 million euros (R$34.7 million at the time). 

He had not yet played for Verdão’s first team.

Read the full statement below:

Esporte Clube Vitória is publicly expressing its indignation over the statements made by Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras coach Mr. Abel Ferreira during his press conference after last Wednesday’s match (29), in which he questioned the character of our player Luan Cândido.

“Do you know Luan Cândido’s history? Do you know his history?” said Abel Ferreira.

Player Luan Cândido made his professional debut in 2020 and, since then, has accumulated six send-offs in six years of his career, which corresponds to an average of one send-off per season, with four straight red cards and two dismissals for two yellow cards. For a defender, this is considered a low number.

During the same period, coach Abel Ferreira has accumulated 13 send-offs in official matches. A number that represents more than double the amount recorded by our player and, above all, comes from a professional who should be setting an example for his players.

Esporte Clube Vitória believes that refereeing in Brazilian football must be improved and professionalized so that all clubs stop suffering from mistaken decisions that end up harming entire projects. Therefore, we find it strange that Mr. Abel Ferreira considers a clear act of aggression to be something “on the limit,” especially coming from someone who frequently expresses dissatisfaction with the quality of domestic refereeing.

Finally, we reiterate our total confidence in the character, professional conduct, and integrity of Luan Cândido, a player who honors the Esporte Clube Vitória shirt every day on and off the pitch.

Photo: Cesar Greco/Palmeiras 

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