November 7 – Controversial American businessman John Textor, who owns a number of top-flight clubs, has been suspended for 30 days at one of them, Brazil’s Botafogo.
The temporary ban was imposed by Brazilian authorities after he raged at a refereeing decision and described Brazilian football as corrupt.
Textor, who owns Lyon in France, Belgian side RWD Molenbeek and has a 40% stake in Crystal Palace, made his comments after Botafogo lost 4-3 to title rivals Palmeiras.
Botafogo were taken over by Textor last year and finished 11th but have enjoyed a fantastic season this time round. However, they threw away a 3-0 lead last week, with Palmeiras’ winner coming in in the ninth minute of stoppage time, cutting Botafogo’s lead at the top to three points.
The game hinged on a controversial red card handed to Botafogo defender Adryelson after a long VAR check when the score was still score 3-1. Botafogo then missed a penalty before conceding three goals to somehow lose.
After the game, Textor unleashed a furious rant live on Brazilian TV.
“Please fine me Ednaldo (Rodrigues – Brazilian Football Confederation president), but you need to resign tomorrow morning. That’s what needs to happen,” he was reported as claiming. “The red card changes the course of the match. It’s corruption.”
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