So many regrets for Olympique de Marseille! After a stunning goal from Igor Paixão, Roberto De Zerbi’s team felt confident. Sporting CP posed little threat, and they seemed set to secure their second consecutive Champions League victory. However, everything changed at the end of the first half. Already booked, Emerson (31) believed he had drawn a penalty to double their lead. Unfortunately, VAR replays revealed it was a clear dive. Suddenly, OM went from a potential 2-0 to facing the second half with ten men.
From Heroes to Zeroes
As the match unfolded, Marseille eventually lost 2-1. Post-match, players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang expressed their frustration with referee M. Obrenovic. “The referees were far from up to the task tonight. In the first half, Sporting created no problems; we were doing well. But that first yellow for Emerson was outrageous; he couldn’t help his hand. We’re not allowed to talk to the referee—only the captains can. It’s ridiculous to have a referee like this in the Champions League. This hurts us because we played a good match,” Aubameyang shared with Canal+.
Roberto De Zerbi was equally upset, especially about Emerson’s first yellow card, which he deemed harsh. While it was clear that the former Chelsea player couldn’t adjust his arm, the French media did not excuse his sending off. They commented, “While De Zerbi’s complaint can be understood, it’s harder to defend the subsequent events. Palmieri, with extensive experience (winner of Euro 2021, and both the Europa and Champions League with Chelsea), made a poor decision under the scrutiny of cameras across Europe.” This sentiment was echoed in L’Équipe.
“Why cheat when so many cameras are watching?”
Similar views were shared by Le Parisien. They noted, “Already yellow-carded for a handball 30 meters from his goal, the Brazilian full-back went from hero to zero in moments. Thinking he had won a penalty for his teammates to extend their lead just before halftime, he instead received a second yellow for a blatant dive. It was harsh but fair, and ultimately decisive.” The strongest criticism came from La Provence, which condemned Emerson’s actions.
“The big mysteries of modern football. Why deceive or attempt to cheat when dozens of security cameras are constantly focused on you? While the intensity on the European stage often clouds judgment, a loss of clarity can lead to the worst mistakes. But in this case… it’s hard, if not impossible, to find mitigating circumstances for Emerson Palmieri. The Italy-born Brazilian has won the Euro, Champions League, Europa, and Conference League. At 31, he has played in top leagues. If he has one asset, it’s his experience, yet none of this prevented him from making such a poor decision.” Emerson likely has some harsh words awaiting him today.
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