Raphinha says Brazil were ‘playing against the referee’ in Japan defeat

Raphinha has criticised the referee after Brazil were beaten 3-2 by Japan in a friendly, saying a series of decisions had a clear effect on the match.

The Barcelona forward and Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti were both sent off after protesting against the officials’ decision following Japan’s third goal.

Speaking to Globo after the game, Raphinha apologised for his dismissal but said the referee’s performance had made it difficult for him to remain calm.

“First, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for being sent off. It is difficult to control yourself in situations like this, especially with the number of mistakes the referee made,” he said.

“I tried to speak to him, but I did not feel that he was open to a conversation. I believe he made many mistakes during the match. I will try to believe they were just mistakes, but what happened was unacceptable.”

Japan established a 2-0 lead by the 19th minute before Vinicius Junior reduced the deficit for Brazil in the 33rd minute of the first half.

Brazil then scored again in the 30th minute of the second half, but Sakamoto secured victory for the Asian side with a goal in added time.

Raphinha said Brazil had been denied several decisions, beginning with an incident before Japan’s opening goal.

“There was a foul before the first goal, and the player also touched the ball with his hand, although that can be understood under the current laws,” he said.

“There was also a clear penalty in my favour, and then their third goal was scored.”

He also questioned the decision to allow play to continue after a challenge involving Joao.

“There was a very clear foul on Joao, but the referee decided to let the play continue and, with the help of the video assistant referee, awarded the goal,” Raphinha added.

Despite the defeat, Raphinha felt Brazil showed progress, particularly after the interval.

“We tried to give our best from the start without ignoring the areas we need to improve. We are developing and beginning to find ourselves on the pitch,” he said.

“In my view, we played a great match. Our performance in the second half was much better than in the first, but when you have to play against the referee as well, things become difficult.”

Raphinha said Brazil must respond to the officiating during the match.

“We cannot let what happened with the refereeing pass without taking a clear position,” he concluded.