Athletico Coach Condemns Refereeing After Palmeiras Defeat

Odair Hellmann, coach of Athletico Paranaense, sharply criticized match officiating after his team’s loss to Palmeiras in São Paulo. The game took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Contested penalty and VAR intervention

The coach took issue with a penalty decision that was overturned after a VAR review. Viveros went down following contact with Palmeiras’ Benedeti. The on-field referee initially awarded a spot kick. He then rescinded the call after checking video replay.

Hellmann said the contact could be judged as a foul. He added that such decisions depend on interpretation. The coach also suggested his team is often scrutinized by officials.

Early sending-off and match stoppages

Palmeiras defender Murilo was sent off two minutes into the second half. Hellmann argued the dismissal changed the tone of the match. He described the remainder as “stop-start” football.

According to the coach, the referee repeatedly halted play and penalised close approaches to Palmeiras players. Hellmann claimed those interruptions affected the flow but said they did not explain the defeat.

Assessment of the referee’s performance

Hellmann acknowledged that the official had been steady before the red card. He then suggested the referee altered how he managed the game. The coach used irony to question that shift in control.

Athletico coach Odair Hellmann therefore condemns refereeing calls in the wake of the Palmeiras defeat. His remarks focus on VAR usage and post-expulsion match management.

Report by Silvio Rauth Filho for Filmogaz.com. Born in Curitiba in 1974, he graduated from UFPR. He holds a postgraduate degree in Communication Strategies from UTP. He has worked at Filmogaz.com since August 1996 and serves as Sports Editor. He also writes the blog Entrelinhas do Jogo.