Abel Ferreira condemns Palmeiras provocations after Maracanã win | OneFootball

Abel Ferreira condemned provocative celebrations by his players after Palmeiras beat Flamengo at the Maracanã, incidents that led to clashes and cautions.

According to Coluna Do Fla, the head coach was asked about the conduct. Earlier, Flaco López hit the Flamengo corner flag, Guillermo Varela reacted, a brief melee followed and the striker was booked. Some Palmeiras players apologised to supporters.

Late on, Paulinho scored the third, gestured for silence and stepped on the Flamengo crest, which escalated matters after Nicolás De La Cruz pushed him. Several players were shown cards, including the goalscorer.

Ferreira said he would like to see the footage before responding, but without it he made clear he is completely against a culture of provoking rivals in Brazilian football. He added he opposed any act that could encourage violence, whether from his own supporters or the opposition.

Flamengo had enjoyed a long winning run over Palmeiras and had not lost to them in the Brasileirão since 2017. The club also won the Brasileirão and the Libertadores last year without such taunts, despite the São Paulo side finishing runners-up.

Arrascaeta wrote that it is not the end. Flamengo remain in the Brasileirão race and are already into the Libertadores last 16, while Palmeiras will seek to clinch their place on Thursday 28.

Source: Coluna Do Fla