Jorge Sampaoli loses cool after height taunts in Brazilian derby | OneFootball

Jorge Sampaoli lost his temper after Atlético Mineiro’s 1-1 derby with America FC, with a row involving opposite number Alberto Valentim over taunts about his height. According to L'Équipe, the flashpoint came after the final whistle in the early hours of Thursday.

Tensions were already high after a Hulk goal was disallowed for offside during the match.

Valentim is said to have mocked Sampaoli’s stature and called him a dwarf, with the Argentine believed to be around 1.70m tall.

Sampaoli, formerly of OM and Stade Rennais, has been in charge at Atlético Mineiro since September 2025 and is known for repeated flare-ups.

Wearing earphones, he was held back and calmed by players and security as members of both camps exchanged words.

Source: L'Équipe