VAR delay sparks outrage in Brazil as manager is left stunned after bizarre incident

A player was sent off in the Brazilian Super Cup after half time for a foul he committed before the interval

Jorge Carrascal (left) was sent off after half time for a foul he committed before the break (REUTERS)

A highly unusual VAR decision in Sunday’s Brazilian Super Cup has sparked fresh debate over the application of video technology in football, after a Flamengo player was sent off after half time for an incident that occurred before the break.

The extraordinary red card was issued to Flamengo’s Jorge Carrascal following vehement protests from Corinthians players, who alleged an elbow strike by Carrascal to Breno Bidon’s face just before the interval.

The Corinthians midfielder lay on the pitch for several minutes as his teammates called for a VAR review, which did not materialise.

Both teams headed to the dressing rooms believing the incident was closed.

However, referee Rafael Klein stunned spectators and players alike when he consulted the VAR booth after the second half had commenced, eventually ruling an act of aggression had occurred. The red card shown to the Colombian midfielder left Flamengo bewildered.

The decision provoked outrage among the Flamengo squad, who believed any review should have taken place during the first half. Corinthians went on to win the trophy 2-0, with goals from Gabriel Paulista and Yuri Alberto.

Filipe Luis was stunned by the VAR delay (Getty Images)

"I had never seen that in my life," said Flamengo manager Filipe Luis, the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender. "

“I don't know if it had ever happened anywhere else. The players waited on the pitch and headed to the dressing room as if the play had already been reviewed.

“We prepared the whole plan to play 11 against 11 and then that happens... I don't want to make excuses for the defeat, but I had never seen anything like it before."

The Brazilian FA (CBF) later attributed the unprecedented delay to electrical issues, stating that a power outage affected several stadium sectors during halftime, including the VAR control room, which remained inoperable for a significant period of the second half.

"Initially, the available images did not provide conclusive evidence, which is why the first half ended normally," the CBF explained in a statement.

"While the procedures were still ongoing, a new check allowed for clear identification of the infraction, which led to the recommendation for review so that the referee could evaluate and consequently send off the player."