Brazil recorded their third consecutive win in the 2021 Copa America with a 2-1 victory over Colombia in Rio de Janeiro last night.
They were behind for large parts of the game, after Luis Diaz had put the Colombians ahead on 10 minutes with a stunning overhead kick.
Incredible from Colombia's Luis Diaz!
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 24, 2021
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But Roberto Firmino levelled proceedings on 78 minutes, before Casemiro scored what turned out to be the winner after an incredible 14 minutes of stoppage time.
Most of that time added on was due to Colombia protests after Brazil’s controversial equaliser.
That was because, in the build-up to the goal, Neymar‘s pass inadvertently struck referee Nestor Pitana and went back to Brazil substitute Lucas Paqueta.
The referee decided to wave play on, despite the protests, and Brazil would go on to score just seconds later.
VAR then checked the goal and allowed it to stand, much to Colombia’s frustration.
Check it out below:
Colombia release statement after referee incident
The Colombian Football Federation has since released a statement following the conclusion of the game.
They have stated that they have filed a note of protest against the refereeing of the game and has requested the immediate suspension of the match’s referees.
Pitana refereed the 2018 World Cup final between France and Croatia. He also officiates games in Argentina’s top division and the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana.
Despite the defeat last night, Colombia have progressed to the Copa America quarter-finals.
They currently sit second in the group, though could finish it as low as fourth.
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