Following the 1-1 draw between Remo and Palmeiras at Mangueirão on Sunday night, Palmeiras football director Anderson Barros held a press conference to express his fury over Bruno Fuchs’ disallowed goal in stoppage time, which would have sealed victory for the league leaders. Barros launched a scathing attack on referee Rafael Klein, who officiated the match.
The contentious incident occurred in the 49th minute when Palmeiras’ No. 3 found the net. However, after a VAR review, the referee spotted a handball by Flaco López in the buildup, leading to the goal being ruled out. The result leaves Palmeiras top of the Brasileirão with 34 points, but their lead could shrink by the end of the round.
“I know it’s becoming tiresome. Often, in some matches, professionals responsible for football departments, executive directors, and managers have made observations, complaints, and raised questions about what’s happening. Unfortunately, we cannot shy away from this,” Barros began.
The Alviverde director then pulled out his phone to read the exact rule, questioning who would take responsibility for the two points Palmeiras lost in this round. He demanded action from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the Refereeing Commission.
“If the ball accidentally touches the hand or arm of an attacking player, and then a teammate finishes and scores, the goal is legal and confirmed. To better understand the handball rule, the goal is disallowed only if the player whose hand touched the ball scores immediately after the contact, even accidentally. When the goal is valid, the accidental touch at the start of the play is not an infringement if the ball falls to another player who then shoots,” Barros continued.
“It’s very clear. If we all watch the play, the Remo defender heads the ball onto López’s hand, then it falls to Fuchs, who scores. That would have been two more points for Palmeiras. I just ask one question: who will take responsibility for this? We can no longer allow this,” Barros vented.
Barros also called out the CBF and the Refereeing Commission. “Palmeiras is one of the clubs that has participated in all meetings. We have made our points, discussed, demanded, and followed what we agreed with the CBF and the Commission. We haven’t come here to complain; we’ve assumed our responsibilities. But today, a situation like this is unacceptable. We need urgent measures. It’s not enough just to accept the rules when such errors are made. The rule is simple. If they had any doubt, they should have taken the time to make the right decision. This is very complicated. We will move on, but we won’t let this slide.”
