The Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) has lodged an official complaint with FIFA, the world football governing body, concerning a disallowed goal by Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. Their complaint states that while a similar incident involving Argentinian captain Lionel Messi resulted in a valid goal, a different decision was made for Vinicius. Brazilian media outlet Estadao reported this information.
In the 22nd minute of the group stage match against Scotland, Vinicius seized the ball from opposing defender Jack Hendry and put it into the net. However, after a VAR review, match referee Cesar Ramos decided that Vinicius had fouled Hendry from behind while dispossessing him. Consequently, the goal was disallowed.
Although the Real Madrid forward later scored two more goals, securing a 3-0 victory for Brazil, he would have had the opportunity to complete a hat-trick in the match had the first goal stood.
The CBF claims that the referee’s decision not only surprised the Brazilian team but also astonished the Scottish players. Their reactions indicated that no one present on the field expected a foul whistle or the decision to disallow the goal.
To support their stance, the Brazil Football Confederation also cited an incident from a match between Argentina and Austria as an example. In that match, in the 38th minute, before Lionel Messi’s goal, Argentinian midfielder Alexis Mac Allister tackled Austria’s Xaver Schlager. Despite Schlager falling to the ground after the tackle, the referee allowed play to continue. Messi then scored from the subsequent attack. Although Austrian players protested, the decision was not overturned.
Comparing these two incidents, the CBF questioned, “If the tackle before Messi’s goal was not considered a foul, then what is the justification for disallowing Vinicius’s goal?”
Meanwhile, Brazil has secured the top spot in Group ‘C’ by defeating Scotland. Their opponent in the knockout stage will be the strong Asian team Japan. The winning team in this crucial encounter between the two sides will secure a place in the next round of the tournament.