Palmeiras beat Vasco 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil semifinal at Nubank Parque in São Paulo on Sunday, but the match ended with controversy. After the final whistle, Vasco president Pedrinho was seen speaking with referee Anderson Daronco in the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms, gesturing with his arms apparently to recreate the incident that Vasco believed should have resulted in a penalty. The brief conversation ended apparently without tempers flaring.
The disputed moment came four minutes into the second half. Alan Lescano tried to dribble past Alexander Barboza and the ball hit the Palmeiras defender's arm. Vasco players appealed for a penalty, but Daronco rejected their complaints and allowed play to continue.
Refereeing expert PC Oliveira of TV Globo said the penalty should have been awarded. In his view, Barboza enlarged his body area and therefore committed an infraction inside the area.
Palmeiras' 1-0 victory gave them an advantage in the semifinal. The second leg is scheduled to be played in Rio de Janeiro next weekend.
Sources: CNN Brasil.