Corinthians Wins Turbulent Final on Penalties to Take São Paulo State Championship

04/09/2018 - 10h52

In a final match filled with tension, arguments between players and controversy caused by the referees, Corinthians became champion of the São Paulo state championship for the second consecutive year.

Corinthians beat Palmeiras 1-0 at Allianz Parque with a goal scored by Rodriguinho and the match was decided on penalty shootout. The final score was 4-3. Corinthians goalkeeper Cássio defended shots by Dudu and Lucas Lima. Corinthians won its 29th São Paulo state championship - it is the biggest winner of the competition ever.

Corinthians had to win by at least two goals after losing the first match 1-0 on March 31 in Itaquerão stadium.

It was coach Fabio Carille's third championship win in less than two years since he became the coach of Corinthians. Last year, Carille led the team to be champion of the São Paulo state championship and of Brazil's national championship.

An event during the match caused much controversy. At 26 minutes of the second half, referee Marcelo Aparecido de Souza awarded a penalty kick as he interpreted that Ralf had fouled Dudu. However, the additional referee, Alberto Poleto Masseira, who stays close to the middle of the field, said Ralf, Corinthians's midfielder, never touched the Palmeiras striker. The discussion made the game stop for nearly ten minutes.

	Robson Ventura/Folhapress
	Corinthians won its 29th São Paulo state championship

Souza changed his decision and awarded a corner kick instead. The Palmerias players protested violently and a fight among the players on the benches stared.

It is not clear how Masseira noticed the foul had not happened. The São Paulo Soccer Federations does not resort to referees aiding with video images in its competitions.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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