Referee reports protests by Corinthians staff after 2-0 cup loss at Internacional | OneFootball

Referee Alex Gomes Stefano recorded post-match protests by three unidentified Corinthians staff after a 2-0 defeat to Internacional in the Copa do Brasil last 16 at Beira-Rio on Sunday.

According to Globo.com, Stefano wrote in his match report that the trio, in club uniform, shouted aggressively that he was a disgrace and could not referee. Police restrained them and the officials continued to the dressing room without delay.

The performance angered Corinthians players and executives. Football executive Marcelo Paz spoke before Fernando Diniz’s news conference, complaining of seven bookings for Corinthians and a penalty he said was not awarded to Matheus Bidu, while alleging intimidation of players without detailing how.

Goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who moved towards the officials at full time and had to be held back, declined to explain what in Stefano’s behaviour had upset the players. He said players are punished when they speak while referees are not, and that he had relayed to staff, directors and the president what the referee told him.

Midfielder Rodrigo Garro criticised the referee’s conduct but also avoided specifics. He said respect must be mutual between teams and officials if Brazilian football is to improve.

Corinthians must win the return by three goals to reach the quarter-finals. The second leg is on Thursday at 20:00, Brasília time, at Neo Química Arena, with Felipe Fernandes de Lima appointed to referee.

Source: Globo.com

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