Textor rages after Botafogo’s defeat to Palmeiras: ‘Corruption, theft’

Botafogo’s majority shareholder, American businessman John Textor went down to the edge of the pitch at the Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, after a 4-3 defeat to Palmeiras, this Wednesday (1), and was furious. The match, between leader and vice-leader of the Brazilian Championship, was valid for the 31st round.

Textor complained about Bráulio da Silva Machado’s refereeing in Wednesday’s match and said there was “theft”. The businessman also spoke of “corruption” and called for the resignation of Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

“It’s not a red card, he changed the game. This is corruption, this is theft. Please fine me, Ednaldo, but you need to resign tomorrow morning. That’s what needs to happen. This championship has become a joke”, said Textor, in an interview with Premiere.

“No one deserves this, these Palmeiras players don’t want to win like that, we don’t want to lose like that. There are five consecutive games. Gentlemen, you played a good game, it’s not your fault, but this is corruption”, he also stated, before concluding.

“This has to change. Ednaldo, you have to resign for the good of the game, it has to end now. This is theft, fine me, you can’t expel me. It’s my stadium, I’m going to stay here”, he added.

The game

Botafogo took a 3-0 lead 36 minutes into the first half, with goals from Carlos Eduardo, Tchê Tchê and Júnior Santos. Palmeiras decreased with Endrick, and the home team had defender Adryelson sent off in the 31st minute of the second half – a move questioned by the Botafoguenses.

The home team also had a penalty in the 38th minute, and Tiquinho Soares missed it. Palmeiras tied, with Endrick and Flaco López, and at 54, on the last play, they turned it around with a goal from Murilo.

Table and upcoming games

Botafogo remains leader, with 59 points. However, Palmeiras is runner-up and now has 56, but one more game than their direct opponent for the Brazilian title.

Botafogo coach Lúcio Flávio’s team will return to the field in a classic against Vasco. The teams will face each other next Monday (6), at 7pm, in São Januário, for the 32nd round.

Palmeiras will duel with Athletico-PR. The teams will face each other at Arena Barueri, in the city of Greater São Paulo, at 9:30 pm on Saturday (4).

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