Brazilian League Faces Referee Controversy After Just Two Rounds

Just two rounds into the 2025 Brazilian Championship, refereeing has become the tournament's most heated topic. A series of controversial calls across several matches has left players, coaches, and fans fuming. According to a report by Terra, matches like Corinthians vs. Vasco, Atlético Mineiro vs. São Paulo, Internacional vs. Cruzeiro, and Sport vs. Palmeiras were riddled with debatable red cards, missed fouls, and highly questionable penalties—casting doubt on the effectiveness of VAR and the CBF’s promised reforms.

Memphis Depay criticized the officials after a harsh tackle on him went unpunished, questioning the VAR's priorities. In the scoreless draw at the Mineirão, Atlético’s Lyanco was sent off late in the game, while São Paulo striker Calleri and coach Luis Zubeldía also received red cards for separate incidents.

Things escalated further in Porto Alegre, where Cruzeiro’s Jonathan Jesus was shown a straight red in a controversial play that wasn’t reviewed by VAR. Earlier, the referee Marcelo de Lima Henrique sparked debate by telling players “football isn’t church” during the pre-match coin toss.