Flamengo furious after bizarre VAR red card in Supercopa do Brasil final defeat

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An extraordinary VAR intervention overshadowed the Supercopa do Brasil final as Flamengo were reduced to 10 men before the second half even kicked off in their 2-0 defeat to Corinthians.

The controversial decision saw Jorge Carrascal dismissed following a review of an incident that took place in the first half, leaving players, staff and supporters visibly baffled.

Goals from familiar names seal Corinthians win

Corinthians secured victory thanks to strikes from former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista and Brazil international Yuri Alberto.

It marks Corinthians' first Supercopa triumph since 1991, in a competition that has only been staged intermittently over the past three decades.

For Flamengo, the night was also meant to spotlight the return of Lucas Paquetá, who made his second-half debut after completing a reported Brazilian-record £35.5 million move from West Ham United.

Instead, the midfielder's comeback ended in frustration.

The red card that stunned everyone

The flashpoint involved Flamengo's Carrascal and Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon late in the first half.

Replays showed Carrascal appearing to catch Bidon with an elbow, though contact looked minimal at first glance.

Referee Rafael Rodrigo Klein allowed play to continue and blew for half-time with no review signalled.

However, as both teams returned for the second half, Klein suddenly halted proceedings and went to the pitchside monitor.

After reviewing footage, he issued Carrascal a straight red card, despite the interval having already taken place.

CARTÃO VERMELHO! Antes do início do segundo tempo, Rafael Klein foi ao monitor para rever o lance de Carrascal em Breno Bidon. O colombiano acabou expulso pela jogada do primeiro tempo.#futebol #flamengo #corinthians #supercopadobrasil #ge pic.twitter.com/kB5vXOs0FL

— ge (@geglobo) February 1, 2026

CBF explains delay

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) later clarified that VAR officials initially lacked a decisive camera angle.

According to the CBF, a subsequent check produced clearer evidence, prompting a recommendation for the referee to review the incident and dismiss the player.

That explanation did little to calm the reaction from Flamengo's bench.

Filipe Luís fumes at 'never-seen' decision

Flamengo boss Filipe Luís, the former Chelsea defender, was incensed post-match.

I've never seen that in my life.

The players waited on the pitch and went to the dressing room as if the play had already been reviewed.

We prepared the whole plan to play 11 vs 11 and then that happens.

Whilst he stopped short of blaming the defeat solely on the decision, Luís admitted the timing of the dismissal completely altered the tactical landscape.

Flamengo forced to chase with 10 men

Already trailing, Flamengo had to contest the entire second half a player down, allowing Corinthians to control proceedings.

Their dominance was eventually sealed with a late second goal, putting the result beyond doubt.

The incident is certain to fuel fresh debate around VAR protocols, particularly regarding the timing of reviews and whether decisions should be final once teams have left the pitch.

For Flamengo and Paquetá, a night meant to mark a new chapter instead became one defined by controversy.

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