The bizarre penalty that decided Flamengo’s victory.
In a scene that could be described as one straight out of a sports comedy, Flamengo was awarded a penalty under extraordinary circumstances in their recent Brasileirão match against Criciuma. This incident, taking place just five minutes before the final whistle in a game that was tied 1-1, might just be one of the most unusual in soccer history.
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The unexpected twist
Flamengo’s Everton was in the process of crossing the ball inside the penalty area when Criciuma’s defender, Gustavo Barreto, intervened in an unexpected way. In a bizarre twist, a second ball appeared on the pitch—its origins unclear from the footage—and Barreto, in the heat of the moment, used this second ball to disrupt Everton’s cross. This action led to the penalty that would decide the game.
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Rulebook to the rescue
According to the laws of the game, specifically Article 12.4, the referee made a correct call by awarding a penalty. The rules clearly state that if a player on the field uses an object, including a ball not in play, to interfere with the current match ball, the game must be restarted with a direct free kick. If this occurs within the offender’s penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded.
The decisive penalty kick
The penalty was expertly converted by Gabriel Barbosa, commonly known as Gabigol, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, replacing former Ligue 1 player Gerson. This goal ultimately handed Flamengo a crucial 2-1 victory.
A lesson in fair play
This match serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fair play. The unusual penalty not only led to Flamengo’s win but also highlighted how the spirit of the game should be maintained. Actions that stray from sportsmanship can have decisive consequences, as was demonstrated in this match.
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In summary, while Flamengo benefited from this peculiar penalty, the incident will likely be remembered as a cautionary tale about the significance of fair play and the strict enforcement of soccer’s complex rulebook. As the soccer world reacts to this oddity, it underscores that in the realm of sports, expect the unexpected.
