América-MG defeated Atlético-MG in a critical match that determined who would advance to the Minas Gerais State Championship final.
Despite América-MG’s win, Atlético-MG moved on to the final, thanks to their first-leg advantage.
The game’s end brought heated exchanges between players and referees, especially involving América-MG’s Benítez.
This Argentine player’s dispute with the referee led to his expulsion and required police intervention for the referees’ safety.
The dispute erupted after the referee’s final whistle, which Benítez argued prematurely stopped a potential scoring opportunity for América-MG.
His frustration led to kicking the ball towards the referee, earning him a red card from André Luiz Policarpo Bento.
The altercation wasn’t just Benítez’s. Players, staff, and América’s president, Marcos Salum, also voiced their complaints, escalating the situation until players, including Hulk, stepped in.
Now, Atlético-MG will compete against Cruzeiro for the championship. Having a superior initial phase, Cruzeiro needs only draws or a win and a loss by the same margin to win.
After the loss, América-MG faces a month without games, having been knocked out of the Copa do Brasil and the State Championship, and now looks to Serie B.
The State Championship takes a break for about two weeks for international matches.
The championship final’s first match, between Atlético-MG and Cruzeiro, is set for March 30.
This incident underscores the intense emotions and stakes in soccer, particularly in the semifinal showdown, with América-MG’s triumph marred by conflict and Atlético-MG securing another chance at state glory.
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