A refereeing blunder

The first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-final between Flamengo and Estudiantes de La Plata left more than just a 2-1 score on the board. What really caused an uproar across the continent was the unusual sending off of Gonzalo Plata, acknowledged by CONMEBOL itself as a refereeing error that VAR was unable to correct.

The match seemed to be under control for Mengão until, in the 82nd minute, the Ecuadorian winger went to contest a 50-50 ball with Facundo Rodríguez. The replay made it clear that the Argentine defender made first contact, but Colombian referee Andrés Rojas decided to show Plata a second yellow card, sending him off.

The VAR audio: “I can't intervene”

On Friday, CONMEBOL released the audio of the review of the play. What was heard left fans stunned:

“Number 50 (Plata) plays the ball. It's outside the area, I have no way to intervene,” says the voice from the VAR booth.

The problem lies in the technology's protocol: VAR can only intervene in cases of goals, penalties, direct red cards, or mistaken identity. As it was a double yellow card, the error went uncorrected and Flamengo had to play the final minutes with one man down.

Flamengo's reaction

The Brazilian club's board wasted no time in filing a formal complaint with CONMEBOL to have Gonzalo Plata's suspension overturned so that he can play in the second leg in La Plata on September 25.

Mengão used the case of Cruzeiro player Dedé as a precedent, who in 2018 was cleared to play a second match after being mistakenly sent off in a game against Boca Juniors.

A mistake that could decide the series

Beyond what happened at the Maracanã, this controversy could directly influence the outcome of the series. Flamengo only took a one-goal lead, and visiting the UNO Stadium without one of its star players could be a serious blow.

In addition, the decision calls into question the performance of Andrés Rojas, one of the referees who aspires to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. The pressure on CONMEBOL is intense, and in Brazil there are already calls for the referee not to officiate in the decisive stages of the tournament.
The question now is clear: will CONMEBOL rectify the situation in time for Gonzalo Plata to play in the rematch?