On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Atlético Mineiro and São Paulo played to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Mineirão, a match that will be remembered more for its controversial officiating than for any scoring action. The second round of the Campeonato Brasileiro was marked by a series of contentious decisions from referee Ramon Abatti Abel, leading to significant backlash from players, coaches, and fans alike.
From the outset, the match was tense, with both teams eager to secure their first win of the season. However, it was the officiating that stole the spotlight. Early in the first half, São Paulo thought they had taken the lead when Alan Franco scored from a header following a free kick in the 16th minute. However, the goal was disallowed for offside, much to the dismay of the São Paulo players and supporters.
Just four minutes later, Alisson had a chance to put São Paulo ahead with a well-placed shot that tested Atlético's goalkeeper, Everson, but he was equal to the task, making a crucial save. As the game progressed, both teams struggled to find their rhythm, with the referee's decisions creating an air of frustration.
The match turned particularly contentious when Lyanco, the Atlético Mineiro defender, received a yellow card in the 33rd minute. Just before halftime, he committed another foul on Ferraresi, which many believed warranted a second yellow card and subsequent expulsion. However, Abatti Abel opted to keep Lyanco on the field, a decision that sparked outrage from São Paulo's coaching staff.
Coach Luis Zubeldía expressed his frustration vocally, earning himself two yellow cards in quick succession for protesting the referee’s decisions, leading to his dismissal from the match just before the halftime whistle. "It was a clear penalty, and the referee just ignored it," Zubeldía lamented. His expulsion added to the tension that enveloped the stadium.
At halftime, Ferreirinha, a forward for São Paulo who also received a yellow card during the match, voiced his discontent regarding the officiating. "It was supposed to be a yellow only for Lyanco; he gave me one too. He should have sent him off, and instead, he expelled Zubeldía," Ferreirinha stated on the field. His comments encapsulated the frustrations of his teammates and the sentiments shared by the fans.
The second half saw Atlético Mineiro pushing for a breakthrough, with several attempts on goal, but Rafael, São Paulo's goalkeeper, was in fine form, denying them at every turn. Meanwhile, the match's officiating continued to draw ire, particularly after Abatti Abel controversially ended the first half while São Paulo was on a promising attack, much to the disbelief of players and fans alike.
As the game wore on, the intensity only increased. In the 54th minute, Lyanco finally received his second yellow card and was sent off after a dangerous challenge, leaving Atlético with ten men. This decision, though delayed, was welcomed by the São Paulo supporters, who felt justice had been served.
However, the frustration did not end there. In the 39th minute of the second half, Calleri, another São Paulo player, was also sent off for elbowing Junior Alonso, further complicating matters for the tricolores as they sought to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
Despite the chaotic officiating and the tension that filled the air, neither team could find the back of the net, and the match concluded in a disappointing stalemate. Both Atlético Mineiro and São Paulo left the pitch with just one point each, but the overarching sentiment was one of injustice, particularly among São Paulo supporters. Many took to social media to express their outrage over the referee's performance, with one fan stating, "Zubeldía was sent off for protesting, but what about Lyanco? There’s no consistency in this football!"
Another supporter echoed this sentiment, saying, "Ramon Abatti Abel turned a red for Lyanco into a red for Zubeldía. Once again, São Paulo has been wronged by poor officiating." The match may have ended in a draw, but it was clear that the controversy surrounding the referee's decisions would linger long after the final whistle.
The aftermath of this match raises questions about the standards of officiating in the Campeonato Brasileiro and how such decisions can affect the outcomes of games. As the league progresses, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see if changes are made to ensure fair play and consistency in officiating.
As it stands, both teams will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, but the shadow of this match will undoubtedly cast a long pall over their next encounters. Will Atlético Mineiro and São Paulo find their footing in the league, or will the controversies continue to overshadow their efforts? Only time will tell as the season unfolds.
