Audax Italiano secured a 2-1 away victory against Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro, triggering widespread condemnation of the officiating in Brazil, according to latercera.com.
The Copa Sudamericana group stage match saw the Chilean side claim their first three points of the tournament. However, the result has been overshadowed by the performance of Uruguayan referee Hernán Heras.
Heras issued a red card to Joao Pedro in the 35th minute following a questionable second yellow card that could not be reviewed via VAR. The referee later sent off Carlos Cuesta in the 83rd minute for a foul in the penalty area, leaving the Brazilian hosts with nine players.
Brazilian media outlets quickly criticized the referee's decisions. The sports daily Lance described the performance as controversial, noting that Vasco led early through a goal by Brenner before Troyansky and Vadulli secured the win for Audax Italiano.
O Globo focused on the technical struggles of the home side, reporting that Vasco struggled to impose their game even at home. The outlet noted that frequent fouls interrupted the match rhythm.
Captain slams officiating
Vasco da Gama captain Thiago Mendes issued the most direct criticism of the match officials. Mendes expressed frustration that the referee's decisions actively disadvantaged his team.
“It was unacceptable. The referee greatly harmed our team today. At no point did he favor our team, only the opposite,” Mendes stated, according to latercera.com.
Mendes added that he felt unable to expand on his comments for fear of further repercussions, saying, “I don't know what else to say, because anything I say could be used against me.”
