Palmeiras midfielder Lucas Evangelista has explained his unusual reaction during Sunday's Copa do Brasil semi-final first leg victory against Vasco da Gama.
The controversial incident took place in the second half of the match on Sunday 1 November, when Vasco players appealed for a penalty after claiming the ball struck the arm of defender Barboza. Despite playing for Palmeiras, Evangelista also protested and immediately made a gesture, indicating that the ball might have touched an opponent's arm.
Addressing the moment in a post on social media after the match, Evangelista apologised to supporters and insisted that he swore he saw the ball hit their player's hand during the heated exchange.
Palmeiras teammate Bruno Fuchs commented on the same publication to tease the midfielder, joking that Evangelista's confused reaction was entirely the fault of a punch to the face he had suffered during the first half of the match.
Dispute with Lescano
That earlier physical clash occurred during a challenge involving Vasco midfielder Lescano. Palmeiras players had furiously demanded a red card and a dismissal for Lescano, but the match referee chose to show the Vasco player only a yellow card.
Lescano was later involved in the disputed handball incident with Barboza that led to Evangelista's reaction. The decision not to award a spot kick triggered complaints from Vasco players on the pitch, club president Pedrinho, and supporters in the stands.
Copa do Brasil semi-final
Palmeiras, based in Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama are among the most traditional and decorated teams in Brazilian football. The Copa do Brasil is the country's primary domestic knockout tournament, offering the eventual champions direct entry into South America's premier club competition, the Copa Libertadores.
Following their first-leg victory, Palmeiras hold an advantage heading into the decisive second leg, where the two Brazilian rivals will meet again to decide which club advances to the Copa do Brasil final.
