Plata reacts to Libertadores row, Flamengo miss striker vs Estudiantes | OneFootball

Flamengo's Forward, Plata, Was Sent Off by Referee Andrés Rojas After Controversial Play in Match Against Estudiantes (ARG)

Gonzalo Plata took to social media to express himself after being sent off in the match between Flamengo and Estudiantes (ARG) this Thursday (18), during the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Libertadores. The forward expressed frustration at not being able to play in the return match but emphasized his commitment to the team.

“It's a shame not to be on the field with my teammates for the return match, but rest assured I'll be the first to support from the sidelines,” wrote the Ecuadorian forward.

Plata also stated that the focus is already on the decisive clash in Argentina. “The second match has already begun, and we will work to secure this qualification, for us, for you, for Flamengo.”

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PLAY?

At 37 minutes into the second half, Plata received a second yellow card after a clash with Facundo Rodríguez. Colombian referee Andrés Rojas deemed there was an intentional kick and sent off the forward.

Upset, the player repeatedly requested a VAR review of the play, but the referee was not called to the monitor. Flamengo believes there was a clear refereeing error.

DOES FLAMENGO WANT PLATA IN THE RETURN MATCH?

The club's management is preparing an official letter to Conmebol requesting the suspension be annulled. The expectation is that the entity will reassess the play and allow the player to participate in the decisive match.

Without Plata, Flamengo will face Estudiantes next Thursday (25), at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata. The team advances with a draw, while the Argentinians need to win by one goal to take it to penalties or by two to qualify directly.

Before that, Flamengo, the leader of the Brazilian Championship, has a commitment for the 24th round of the national competition. On Sunday (21), the Mengão faces a classic match against Vasco, at 5:30 PM (Brasília time), at Maracanã.

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