Vasco da Gama forward Agustín Canobbio criticized referee Ramon Abatti Abel at halftime of the match against Fluminense, played on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16 at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
The Uruguayan striker questioned the referee's lack of consistency in his calls and described his facial expressions during the game. Canobbio said the referee stood right beside a play and still missed a throw-in call, adding that referees get an hour and a half of briefing on their job beforehand, yet this kind of thing still happens.
Complaints about communication
Canobbio said that when the referee does not make a call in their favor, he speaks poorly to players and looks at them with contempt, describing the referee's attitude as having a crazy look on his face.
He said the referee refuses to make eye contact when spoken to and ignores players, even when they address him politely, adding that being looked at like a lunatic is not the right way to be treated.
Canobbio also cited a specific incident in which the assistant referee, standing right next to the referee, saw the ball touch an opponent, yet no call was made.
A call for mutual respect
Canobbio said the referee cannot expect respect without offering it in return. He acknowledged being temperamental himself but said that if the referee cannot communicate properly or make eye contact, he should still address players with respect.
