Jorginho: Referee did well, but unintentional handball is a penalty | OneFootball

Four-time World Champion Jorginho also spoke about the rivalry between Flamengo and Palmeiras in the Brasileirão

The topic of the week in Brazilian football was the refereeing scandal in São Paulo 2×3 Palmeiras, which took Flamengo out of the lead in the Brasileirão. The issue reached former Mengão and four-time champion Jorginho, who participated in a charity match this Friday (10) at Maracanã.

The right-back from Brazil's 1994 World Cup win and Flamengo's 1987 Brasileirão victory analyzed the key moment of the São Paulo classic: the unawarded penalty by Allan on Tapia. Despite understanding that “unintentional” is still a foul, Jorginho praised the firm stance of referee Ramon Abatti Abel during the match.

— He (the referee) remained very firm in his convictions. But unintentional is also a penalty, it's an imprudence. He slipped, but it happened. He (the referee) has all the power to maintain his decision. So, it depends a lot on the person. He was extremely firm in his position. I can't say if he is right or wrong, but he was convinced that there was a slip. From what I saw, I would have given a penalty, but we respect the referee's position, who is a fundamental figure on the field —, said Jorginho.

FLAMENGO AND PALMEIRAS ALWAYS ON TOP?

Additionally, Jorginho was asked about the dominance of Flamengo and Palmeiras in Brazilian football in recent years. According to the former right-back, only three teams have the potential to follow the duo, but the trio needs to organize themselves to grow.

— Flamengo has been structuring itself since my time (as the club's coach) in 2013. They started resolving debts, moved from the red to the green, and managed to be in today's situation. We know it's a powerhouse in terms of fans and has organized itself with excellent management. Flamengo is a club that has all the conditions to pay top-level players. The possibility that Flamengo has to remain this way is very high, mainly because of the large fan base —, added Jorginho.

— Palmeiras has a great investor and is making excellent signings, with serious management and keeping the coach. Abel (Ferreira) being there is a very favorable point for Palmeiras, as he is someone who knows very well and has been a multi-champion. He is intelligent and has won many titles. If no club with significant investment comes along, it will be difficult to surpass them. I only see Vasco, São Paulo, and Corinthians having potential if they manage to organize themselves. If they don't, it will certainly always be one of the two (Flamengo or Palmeiras) —, concluded the four-time champion.

FIGHT FOR THE BRASILEIRÃO TITLE: WHEN SHOULD FLAMENGO HOPE FOR A SLIP?

Mentioned by Jorginho, Flamengo and Palmeiras lead the Brasileirão with 55 points. But the São Paulo team has the chance to pull ahead this Saturday (11) at 7 PM (Brasília time) at Allianz Parque against Juventude. The club managed by Leila Pereira will play a postponed game of the Brasileirão.

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