Palmeiras graduates lead refereeing complaints against Verdão | OneFootball

In recent years, players developed in Palmeiras’ youth academy have been involved in episodes of complaints about refereeing in matches involving the green-and-white club. The cases, spread across different competitions and seasons, have in common criticism of referees’ decisions after clashes against Verdão.

The first episode took place in 2025. Jhon Jhon’s controversial statement about the refereeing came in October. On that occasion, the midfielder, who was playing for Red Bull Bragantino, said at halftime of the match against Palmeiras at Nubank Parque that their opponents “aren’t only playing against Palmeiras, they’re playing against the referee too”.

Then, in 2026, another Academy graduate once again challenged the refereeing. Playing for Jacuipense, Talisca was sent off after a challenge on Lucas Evangelista and showed his dissatisfaction with the referee’s decision during the match, saying the play did not warrant a red card.

The most recent episode happened this Wednesday (29), in Palmeiras’ 4–0 thrashing of Vitória in the Brazilian Championship. Left-back Luan Cândido, also developed by the green-and-white club and currently with Vitória, was sent off at the end of the first half after making a “robbery” gesture toward the refereeing team, shortly after Cacá was sent off for a hard challenge on Jhon Arias.

The two red cards shaped the match at Barradão and made the way easier for Palmeiras’ rout. After the game, coach Abel Ferreira avoided stirring up controversy over the refereeing and said the incident involving Mauricio, in another disputed play in the match, was “right on the limit,” stressing that there was no doubt about the send-offs of Vitória’s players.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.