Fans have been left bemused by a bizarre red card for Joelinton during Brazil’s defeat to Argentina.
Brazil saw their proud unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifying crushed by their bitter rivals, who left Rio with a 1-0 victory courtesy of Nicolas Otamendi’s second half header. It was also their third successive qualifying defeat, raising concerns that the five-time champions may not qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
A bad night for the Selecao was compounded when Joelinton was red carded in the 81st minute just nine minutes after coming off the bench. However, the manner of the dismissal, following a tussle with Rodrigo De Paul as they battled for the ball, left fans feeling aggrieved for the Newcastle midfielder.
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Opinion was almost universal that it was De Paul who was doing the fouling as he hung onto Joelinton’s arm. The Brazil man did turn and lift his arm in a bid to break free but did not appear to make contact with De Paul. Nevertheless, referee Piero Maza reached straight for his red card.
“De Paul literally grabs onto Joelinton's arm, but it's Joelinton who receives the red card! You genuinely can't make this up,” said one fan. Another concurred, saying: “If anything Joelinton deserves an award for having to deal with this, not a red card.”
What do you think of Joelinton's red card? Tell us in the comments section below
A third added: “Never a red. Joelinton had only been on the pitch nine minutes.” A fourth commented: “Joelinton received a straight red card last night for being fouled.”
Another asked: “How did Joelinton get a STRAIGHT red card for De Paul holding his hand for good 5 minutes?” A sixth agreed, posting: “That was never red card! Rolling round grabbing his face when it clearly never hit his face! Ref never checked VAR.”
The qualifier was overshadowed by crowd trouble which flared during the national anthems. Video and pictures have emerged of Brazilian police charging Argentina fans and clobbering them with batons, prompting worried players, including Lionel Messi, go over and appeal for calm.
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