Vitória demands action from CBF, files complaint over Flamengo refereeing

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·23 avril 2026

Vitória demands action from CBF, files complaint over Flamengo refereeing

Vitória believes it was harmed by Anderson Daronco’s refereeing at the Maracanã

Defeated by Flamengo in the first leg of the fifth round of the Copa do Brasil, Vitória filed a complaint with the CBF against Anderson Daronco’s refereeing. The Bahia-based club believes the team was harmed by “clear and obvious errors,” questioned why three Mengão players were not sent off, and demanded that the VAR audio be made available by the federation.

Vitória argues that Luiz Araújo, Saúl and Arrascaeta should have been sent off. The first two for challenges that ended with their arms hitting the faces of players from the defeated side. Lastly, the incident involving the Uruguayan came from an alleged stamp.

Vidéos OneFootball

WHAT DO REFEREEING EXPERTS THINK?

PC Oliveira, Grupo Globo’s refereeing expert, believes only Saúl deserved a red card. The incident took place in the 34th minute of the second half, with Flamengo already leading 2-1. Regarding Luiz Araújo, the former referee said it was a “natural football movement, without intent or intensity.” As for Arrascaeta, the former official said: “also normal because he was bumped by Ramon.”

The officiating crew for Flamengo vs. Vitória had Anderson Daronco on the field, with Thiago Duarte Peixoto on VAR. In addition, Leila Naiara Moreira da Cruz and Michael Stanislau were the assistant referees for the match held at the Maracanã on Wednesday (22).

AFTER ALL, WHAT DID VITÓRIA’S FULL STATEMENT SAY?

“To The Refereeing and Competitions Committee of the Brazilian Football Confederation. Re: Complaint against the refereeing of the match between Esporte Clube Vitória and Clube de Regatas Flamengo, for the 2026 Copa do Brasil, held on April 22, 2026. Esporte Clube Vitória, through this document, respectfully appears before Your Lordships to submit a formal complaint regarding the refereeing of the above-mentioned match, conducted by referee Anderson Daronco, assisted by assistant referees Leila Moreira da Cruz and Michael Stanislau, as well as fourth official Lucas Coelho Santos, due to clear and obvious errors that directly impacted the course and fairness of the match. 1. Contested incidents 1.1. In the 2nd (second) minute of the first half, player Luiz de Araújo Guimarães Neto, of Clube de Regatas Flamengo, raised his arm deliberately and away from a challenge for the ball and struck, with his elbow, the face of player Ramon Ramos Lima, of Esporte Clube Vitória, which, in theory, constitutes violent conduct. 1.2. In the 34th (thirty-fourth) minute of the second half, player Giorgian Daniel de Arrascaeta Benedetti, of Clube de Regatas Flamengo, while challenging for the ball, recklessly struck player Ramon Ramos Lima of Esporte Clube Vitória on the ankle, putting his physical integrity at risk, which even resulted in his substitution. 1.3. In the 39th (thirty-ninth) minute of the second half, player Saul Ñiguez made an additional arm movement and struck the face of player Caique Gonçalves of Esporte Clube Vitória, in an incident without a direct challenge for the ball, a circumstance that likewise constitutes violent conduct. 2. The refereeing performance Despite the seriousness of the incidents described above, the refereeing team failed to adopt the appropriate disciplinary measures, showing an error in judgment at decisive moments of the match. The absence of proper punishment for the reported infractions compromised compliance with the rules of the game and the protection of the players’ physical integrity. 3. The VAR performance Esporte Clube Vitória also expresses concern regarding the performance of the video assistant referee (VAR) team, coordinated by Thiago Duarte Peixoto (SP). Although the incidents presented were subject to review, there was no recommendation for an on-field review, which constitutes a significant failure in the use of the VAR protocol, especially in situations involving possible violent conduct and the issuing of a red card. 4. Request In view of the above, Esporte Clube Vitória requests: – A detailed analysis of the incidents indicated; – The adoption of appropriate measures regarding the refereeing team; – A formal clarification regarding the criteria adopted in the decisions mentioned. Nothing further at this time, Esporte Clube Vitória renews its protests of highest consideration and awaits this Confederation’s position regarding the measures to be adopted. Read the full letter: To Mr. RICARDO NONATO MACEDO DE LIMA, President of the Bahia Football Federation – FBF Cc: Mr. RODRIGO CINTRA, President of the CBF Refereeing Commission *Re: Request – Audio and Images – V.A.R. – Copa do Brasil – 5th Round – Esporte Clube Vitória vs. Clube de Regatas Flamengo.* Mr. President, Greeting you cordially, I hereby request the recordings of the dialogues (audio) between the members of the V.A.R. team and the on-field refereeing team, as well as the images used for analysis, in the incidents indicated below, which were potentially sending-off offenses, from the match between Esporte Clube Vitória and Clube de Regatas Flamengo, valid for the 5th Round of the Copa do Brasil, held on 04/22/2026, at the Maracanã Stadium. 01) “Elbow” by player Luiz Araújo (Flamengo) on player Ramon (Vitória) in the 2nd minute of the 1st half 02) “Stamp” by player Arrascaeta (Flamengo) on player Ramon (Vitória) in the 34th minute of the 2nd half 03) “Elbow” by player Saul (Flamengo) on player Caíque (Vitória) in the 39th minute of the 2nd half Confident in your attention to this matter, I extend my best regards.”

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