The duel between Flamengo and Estudiantes-ARG in Maracanã was marked by an unusual situation still in the break. According to information from the channel “ESPN”, the fourth referee of the match, Colombian Jhon Ospina, would have guided coach Eduardo Domínguez to replace a player from the Argentine team.
According to the broadcast, the red-black athletes were outraged to hear that Ospina suggested the departure of Román Gómez, the right-back of Estudiantes, because of the way he was acting. The referee’s justification would be that shirt 4 was exaggerating the entrances and was at serious risk of being expelled if it remained on the field.
Flamengo players pressured the fourth referee, complaining about the stance considered inappropriate. However, nothing happened – neither with the fourth referee, nor with the athletes of Flamengo and nor with Román Gómez, who was maintained by coach Eduardo Domínguez until the end of the match – won by Fla 2-1.
⚠️ What a madness! Can this?
Flamengo X Room X Estudiantes advised coach of the opposing team to replace a player who was making many fouls and was at risk of being kicked out (!!!) pic.twitter.com/6mIXqzejWq
– Flamengo | FLA column (@colunadofla) September 19, 2025
What does the fourth referee say?
No one commented on the episode after the final whistle. Conmebol also did not release official note.
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