Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says S’porean referee lacks experience after losing to Japan at National Stadium

S’porean referee shows Carlo Ancelotti red card after skirmish during 3-2 loss to Japan

Brazil’s men’s national football team head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that a Singaporean referee lacked experience during his team’s defeat to Japan at Singapore’s National Stadium.

The Brazil bench had complained about the calls made by Singaporean referee Jansen Foo, who ended up showing Ancelotti a red card after their protests.

Brazil suffers shock defeat to Japan

The game, played last Saturday (14 Nov) as part of the inaugural Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series Singapore, was a rematch of Brazil and Japan’s Round of 32 knockout clash at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

In front of 38,688 fans, the two football giants played out an entertaining match as the Asian team raced to a 2-0 lead within just 19 minutes.

However, Brazil struck back with two goals from Vinicius Jr. and the game was set for a draw when Tatsuhiro Sakamoto struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

The 3-2 scoreline in Japan’s favour was sweet revenge for their elimination from the World Cup by Brazil.

Carlo Ancelotti & Raphinha shown red card by referee

But Brazil was unhappy with the winning goal, claiming that there was a foul in the build-up but the referee had let play continue, reported the BBC.

This resulted in vociferous remonstrations on the touchline by various Brazil officials and players, including Ancelotti and captain Raphinha, who had been substituted by then.

Foo responded by showing both men a red card.

Ancelotti and his players continued to confront the referee after the red card and security personnel had to separate them.

Carlo Ancelotti says referee lacked authority to manage game

In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti was asked about the refereeing, and he replied that Foo lacked the authority to manage a game between two elite nations.

The stoppage-time winner was “conditioned” by the referee’s “attitude”, the 67-year-old Italian claimed, noting that he did not blow the whistle.

However, Ancelotti maintained that it was “not his fault”, adding:

It was a high-level match, and I think he didn’t have the experience to manage this type of match.

On the red card, Ancelotti said it was meted out because the referee said he was not able to control the bench, and that all his players were on the pitch.

Raphinha also criticises referee

Raphinha also criticised the referee in an interview with the media after the match.

While he apologised for his behaviour, he said the refereeing was “unacceptable”.

Japan’s first goal involved a foul, while Brazil should have had a penalty in the first half, he claimed.

Japan’s winning goal also involved a “very clear foul” on a Brazilian player, he alleged.

Thus, he felt that the referee made “so many mistakes” during the game and was not open to discussion, even though he tried to talk to him several times, he added.

Brazil’s next game is against Singapore on Tuesday (17 Nov) at the National Stadium, while Japan faces Paraguay later that night.

Also read: Japanese streamer ends up in Brazil section during World Cup match, dons Brazil jersey after Japan’s loss

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Confederação Brasileira de Futebol on YouTube and @Absolutebrazil on X.