Ref behind Palmeiras' two kick-offs v Fluminense says: “We’re a joke”

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·9 de abril de 2026

Ref behind Palmeiras' two kick-offs v Fluminense says: “We’re a joke”

Referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima spoke for the first time about the incident that took place in the match between Fluminense and Palmeiras, when he allowed the São Paulo team to take the kickoff in both halves of the game. The incident drew a lot of attention and sparked criticism on social media.

In an interview published by UOL, according to the referee, the mistake happened because of a lack of attention during the match’s initial procedure. Felipe Fernandes de Lima explained that the coin toss took place normally, with Fluminense winning and choosing which side of the field to defend. As a result, Palmeiras kicked off the match. In the second half, however, the referee ended up once again allowing the São Paulo team to take the kickoff.

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“It was my mistake. But this is something everyone should be watching — the assistants, the VAR. I was influenced by the teams. There was a coin toss, Fluminense won, chose the side, and Palmeiras started with the ball. In the second half, because of my carelessness, my lack of attention, Palmeiras started with the ball again,” he said.

The referee also revealed that he first learned about the reaction through social media and that the situation ended up causing him personal embarrassment.

“I found out through social media, with my friends sending it to me. We become a laughingstock, my face everywhere,” he said.

According to Felipe Fernandes de Lima, despite the mistake, the incident had no direct impact on the result of the match, but it did have consequences for his career. He said he was sidelined for five rounds of the Brazilian Championship.

“It caused no harm to the teams, the match, or football. There was no damage at all for the teams. For me, yes. From that round on, I was taken off assignments. I was out for five rounds,” he concluded.

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