by Nick
Referee suspended for sending off wrong player
February 26, 2007 in Sports & Recreation by Nick
A Brazilian referee was suspended on Monday for sending off the wrong player during a match at the weekend.
Rodrigo Martins Cintra has been banned indefinitely following his performance during the Corinthians-Rio Branco match in the Paulista championship, the head of the Paulista Football Federation’s referees committee said.
“The mistake happened,” Marcos Marinho told reporters. “He thought it was one player but it was a different one. He needs some time to get over it.”
The incident happened during the first half when a Corinthians player was tripped by Rio Branco’s Josias. However, Cintra showed a yellow card to Felipe who had already been booked and was therefore sent off.
“He’s not on form at the moment so we’re going to work to make sure he’s better when he comes back,” Marinho said. Cintra also dismissed two Corinthians players in the 1-1 draw.
