SOUTH AMERICAN officials overturned a red card decision within HOURS after a referee seemingly sent a player off for “being kicked”.
Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata was shown red after he nicked in front of opponent Facundo Rodriguez during a Copa Libertadores quarter-final on Friday.
Plata, 24, had been booked earlier in the second half for a foul on a different Estudiantes player, but was given his marching orders just 10 minutes later.
The Ecuador international was quick to nip in front of Rodriguez as the Estudiantes defender tried to boot the ball clear just outside the box.
As Plata tipped the ball away from Rodriguez’s foot, he was clattered by the Argentine’s follow through, bringing both players crashing to the floor in pain.
However, referee Andres Rojas unbelievably deemed Plata to have fouled Rodriguez, despite the Flamengo star being the one on the receiving end of a nasty kick.
The official brandished a second yellow card and sent Plata for an early bath, with VAR unable to intervene as the decision was a second yellow and not a straight red card.
Fans watching on from home were baffled by Referee Rojas’ call, taking to social media to voice their disbelief.
One wrote: “The first player to be sent off for being kicked. One of the most questionable decisions I can recall in recent weeks.”
While another added: “What a ridiculous call. The foul was on Plata!”
And a third fumed: “That must be one of the stupidest decisions since I started watching football.”
Fortunately, common sense prevailed and the powers that be overturned the decision just hours after the full-time whistle following an official complaint from Flamengo.
A statement from Flamengo read: “CONMEBOL, through an official letter sent at the beginning of the afternoon this Friday, has withdrawn the punishment applied to forward Gonzalo Plata as a result of the second yellow card, and consequent expulsion.”
Adding: “With this measure, the player is eligible to play normally in the return match, scheduled for next Thursday, in Argentina.”
The overturning means that Plata is now available to play in the second-leg of the quarter-final next week.
However, Flamengo will still feel aggrieved given they conceded a 91st minute goal while playing with 10 men.
Their numerical disadvantage meant their 2-0 lead was cut to 2-1 ahead of travelling to face Estudiantes away next Thursday.
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