Corinthians ‘send’ formal letter to CBF over referee conduct in Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Corinthians have sent a formal letter to the CBF challenging referee Alex Gomes Stefano’s conduct during Sunday’s Copa do Brasil round of 16 first leg at Internacional.

Ge.globo reported that the complaint, addressed to the refereeing commission and trailed by football executive Marcelo Paz, focuses on alleged intimidation of Corinthians players.

In a clip on social media, goalkeeper Hugo Souza, approaching the officials, is heard telling team-mates the referee had told right-back Matheuzinho he wanted to see him do that outside. The club have requested access to audio between the Beira-Rio officiating team to verify the alleged threat.

After the final whistle, midfielder Rodrigo Garro criticised Alex Gomes Stefano for what he saw as a lack of respect. Before Fernando Diniz’s news conference, Marcelo Paz voiced concern over the standard of officiating and also questioned VAR official Caio Max Augusto Vieira.

Corinthians later shared footage of incidents they felt went against them, including Bruno Gomes pulling down left-back Matheus Bidu in the box, which sparked penalty appeals. Another clip recalled a foul by Garro inside the area.

Internacional responded with a statement urging the CBF to take appropriate measures in light of Corinthians’ complaints.

The sides meet again on Thursday 6 at 20:00 at Neo Química Arena. Internacional lead 2-0, so Corinthians must win by three to progress in normal time, while a two-goal victory would take it to penalties.

Source: Meu Timao

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”