Gómez backs Andreas in penalty row during Derby: "Part of the game"

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·9 febbraio 2026

Gómez backs Andreas in penalty row during Derby: "Part of the game"

The 1-0 victory of Palmeiras over Corinthians was surrounded by controversies. Besides the expulsion of Abel Ferreira and the celebration of Flaco López, midfielder Andreas Pereira tampered with the penalty spot before Memphis took the penalty. Gustavo Gómez, captain of Verdão, downplayed the incident, classifying it as "part of the game".

"It's part of the game, that's football, the confusion too. Personally, I don't like the confusion, but it's part of Brazilian football, even more so in derbies. It's important to value the victory. Our team is evolving, we won all three derbies. It's important for us and our fans," said the defender.

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At the 33rd minute, referee Raphael Claus awarded a penalty against Carlos Miguel after the goalkeeper punched and hit Gustavo Henrique. While the VAR reviewed the play, Andreas Pereira tampered with the penalty spot with his boot. During the kick, Memphis slipped and shot wide.

Raniele's Complaint

Raniele, a midfielder from Corinthians, did not judge Andreas Pereira but complained that Claus did not punish the Palmeiras player.

"They asked if I thought it was unethical. It's more about us seeing and not letting it happen, the referee punishing, rather than complaining about what the guy did. If we had done it and it worked, we would be seen as clever. You can't say he was wrong, it was unethical. It's about seeing, not letting it happen, and the referee punishing instead of judging the guy," commented the midfielder.

Standings Situation

The victory qualified Palmeiras and placed them in second place in the State Championship standings, with 15 points. Now, Verdão heads into the final round aiming for the overall leadership of the Paulista Championship. The first place is held by Novorizontino, with 16 points.