CBF Releases VAR Audio Showing Referee Upheld Red in Flamengo–Corinthians Draw

Overview

• The CBF’s release Monday of the VAR audio revealed that video official Wagner Reway advised downgrading Evertton Araújo’s dismissal to yellow, yet referee Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima kept the red for the Flamengo midfielder’s contact on Breno Bidon, and the federation did not publish audio for other disputed incidents.
• Flamengo finished most of the second half with 10 men in a 1–1 at the Neo Química Arena, then director José Boto labeled the sending‑off “caricature‑like” and coach Leonardo Jardim argued that similar fouls had been judged with different criteria in recent meetings with Corinthians.
• In Belo Horizonte, Santos had Álvaro Barreal’s stoppage‑time finish ruled offside after a VAR check in a 0–0 against Cruzeiro, the club said it will file a complaint to the CBF, and Neymar and Gabigol mocked the decision on social media.
• Cruzeiro ended the round last as the league’s only winless side and announced Portuguese coach Artur Jorge on a contract through 2027, while midfielder Matheus Pereira and interim Wesley Carvalho acknowledged a tense mood and urged unity over talk of crisis.
• Vasco’s attack has surged under Renato Gaúcho with eight goals in three matches and an unbeaten run, as teams enter the international‑date pause before early‑April fixtures and scrutiny of refereeing processes grows across the league.