Referee Wilmar Roldan handed out two red cards inside the opening 25 minutes, while he sent off Alisson twice only to be rescinded twice.
Brazil head coach Tite has criticised the decision to appoint a Colombian referee for Thursday’s chaotic 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Ecuador.
Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan handed out four red cards throughout the game, including two to Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson which were both rescinded by the VAR, along with two overturned penalty awards for Ecuador.
Trailing 1-0 to Casemiro’s first-half strike, Ecuador had a 55th-minute penalty awarded by Roldan overturned.
When it was determined Pervis Estupinan had dived in the box as opposed to being fouled by Raphinha.
In stoppage-time, the hosts again thought they had a penalty which could have led to the winner after a foul from Alisson.
But the award was overturned by the VAR, offering the Liverpool goalkeeper and Brazil a late reprieve.
Tite was critical of Roldan’s “impulsiveness” but also the decision to appoint a referee from Colombia, who came into this matchday fourth in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying behind Ecuador.
“Today there was no point in appointing a referee from the fourth country in the table.”
Tite said at the post-game news conference.
“When the third and first were playing. Roldan is a good referee, but it gives for interpretations. The designation took a bit of sensitivity.”
Tite added: “It was a difficult game. The number of fouls was exaggerated, 20 fouls by Ecuador and 12 by us.
“The circumstances happened, it wasn’t evil, it was impulsive. Incorrect, yes. And it needs to be corrected, yes. It needs to be mature, yes. But it wasn’t evil.”
South American qualifiers have always been competitive. Injuries, Booking and Controversy have been a part of it.
Eder Militao will return to Real Madrid before the end of the international break.
And will likely be available for selection for Los Blancos’ Copa del Rey tie at Athletic Club on Thursday.
Top-level European football has halted amid an unofficial mini-break.
Due to ongoing international fixtures in Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Centre-back Militao had been on international duty with Brazil for their World Cup qualifiers.
But will return to Spain sooner than expected.
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