Rizek Slams VAR After Controversial Calls: “Just Another Day in Brazilian Football”

Matchday 10 of the Brasileirão reignited heated debate over the state of officiating in Brazil. According to Lance!, two controversial penalties—one awarded to Braithwaite in Grêmio's win over Bahia, and another to Arrascaeta in Flamengo’s victory against Palmeiras—sparked outrage across the football community. Among the loudest critics was journalist André Rizek, who didn’t hold back on social media.

“VAR in Brazil rewards dives like those from Arrascaeta and Braithwaite today,” Rizek wrote. “It was obvious Bahia would pay the price for the refereeing blunder in the Copa do Brasil. Brazilian officiating is as bad as it is predictable.”

He added, “Just another normal day of football in Brazil. Referees, provoked by VAR, keep making poor decisions. It’s ruining the games—which aren’t that great to begin with.”

Despite the officiating storm, Palmeiras remain top of the table, though the league is tightly contested. Matchday 10 wraps up Monday with Bragantino facing Juventude, a clash that could see the home side jump to third place.