2024-07-05 09:34:35
The quality of refereeing is being questioned in almost every match in the ongoing Copa America. This time, the referee did not give Brazil the penalty it deserved. CONMABLE, the highest governing body of South American football, has accepted responsibility for the mistake. The agency said the referee and VAR erred in not awarding a penalty for fouling Vinicius Jr.
Brazil battled Colombia for top spot in Group D in the quarter-finals. With four points from the first two matches, they needed a win, but a draw would have been enough. Darival Junior’s team took the lead in the twelfth minute with Rafinha’s excellent free kick.
The incident happened in the first half. Vinicius entered the D box with great speed on the ball. Daniel Munoz tries to clear the ball on a desperate slide from behind. Vinicius fell after eating the tackle. The Brazilian players made a strong demand for a penalty.
At first glance, it seemed that the Colombian defender could not touch his feet. The replay confirmed it later. But the Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela is adamant about his decision. After several tests, VAR led by Argentinian referee Mauro Villaino upheld the same decision.
When the discussion about this became critical, Konmbel admitted the mistake in a video. In a video message on Wednesday (June 3), they commented: ‘VAR failed to recognize that the defender had not touched the attacking Brazilian striker before touching him. VAR mistakenly upheld the decision of the on-field referee.
Muñoz saw the net shortly after this wrong decision. Colombia earned 1 point in the match with his goal. Brazil became group runners-up with a 1-1 draw. They will have to play in the quarter-finals against Uruguay who are in great form.