After losing 0-1 away to Palmeiras at the hands of Abel Ferreira in the game that ended the 17th round of Brasileirão, the Portuguese António Oliveira, Cuiaba’s coach, did not spare any criticism of the refereeing team.
“I had a lot to say today. And I think the least important thing is the football that was played here. Firstly, I want to express how proud I am of my players and my team, who made the best possible interpretation of the intended strategy for a great game against a great team, the two-time Libertadores champions. We didn’t come here to play against any team. Difficult environment, at the worst time to be able to face this team, but I think they didn’t win today,” he began.
The coach complains about the fouls at Valdivia, the foul play at the start of the kick and the bet André Luis made in the face of the Weverton goalkeeper towards the end of the match: “The main moves have always been for the same side. Also, and this is what hurts me, the fourth referee’s disrespect for Cuiaba’s players. The move leading to the goal should have been a foul. Sometimes they confirm everything, but in their own way. And since everyone is crying, I too can cry and will cry. Then there is Andre Luis with whom, for God’s sake, we will not play football … Everyone deserves respect, Palmeiras is a great team, they don’t need it, but Cuiaba too, regardless of their recent history in the Serie. Ah, it deserves respect.
The coach felt that Anderson Daronco’s refereeing was biased and said that the video referee did not work, clearly referring to a mistake made by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in eliminating Palmeiras in the Copa Brasil against São Paulo.
“We sell expensively what we didn’t want, we are sad. I knew that the referee was unlikely to whistle something, especially one of the parties. I don’t want to be too aggressive, but I have to represent my players and also feel the dismay and the injustice they felt. I am a person who has always said that I don’t cling to excuses, I cling to results. But today it was very visible, even through the images, all of Brazil saw it. The opponent has its own value, its own potential, excellent players, excellent coach, a huge mass of fans, but there was no need for what happened. It was bad refereeing. André Louis’ move, if not to complicate matters, lacks attack. VAR didn’t work today. And if it worked, it would not be in our favor … I want you to interpret me in the best light, this is a huge taste of injustice, ”he concluded.
