Maurício says Palmeiras feel outside pressure amid Flamengo spat, but squad stay focused | OneFootball

According to Coluna Do Fla, Flamengo did not play at the weekend yet tensions with Palmeiras flared via official statements. Palmeiras midfielder Maurício acknowledged heavy external pressure but said it has not reached the dressing room or affected those picked by Abel Ferreira.

He spoke in the mixed zone after Palmeiras beat Fortaleza on Sunday in the Copa do Brasil. He stressed the need to keep focus.

On Saturday, Palmeiras issued a statement protesting that Maurício had been reported to the STJD for an elbow on Vitória defender Cacá in the last Brasileirão round. Cacá needed five stitches in his chin, while the midfielder was only shown a yellow card.

In defending Maurício, the club cited Flamengo and an alleged identical incident involving Erick Pulgar against Internacional in the league, noting the Chilean did not face a hearing. Flamengo responded later the same day.

Abel Ferreira then addressed Flamengo again on Sunday. He said last year's Libertadores final remains an asterisk he will not erase while he is at Palmeiras, and said he had challenged the referee over an incident he felt everyone saw. He added that in a world of imperfect men, anyone seeking absolute rectitude should go to the Vatican.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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