Two balls kicked into the box, the incredible penalty given to Flamengo in Brazil

In a crucial title race, Flamengo defeated Criciuma 2-1 thanks to a penalty awarded for a curious and decidedly unsportsmanlike incident. With the match remaining, Criciuma midfielder Gustavo Barreto attempted a costly ploy that ultimately decided the match in favor of the Rossoneri.

At minute 86, with the Flamengo in offensive pressure, two balls found themselves simultaneously in the Criciuma area. Taking advantage of the situation, Barreto hit one of the balls with the intent of interrupting a dangerous action by Everton, sending the other ball, or rather the one in play, out of play and hindering the opponent's attack.

The referee did not hesitate to punish Barreto's unsportsmanlike conduct, showing him a yellow card and awarding a penalty to Flamengo. The Criciuma player, aware of the seriousness of the gesture, did not contest the decision. Gabigol stepped up to the spot and coolly converted the penalty, overturning the result and giving the Rossoneri three precious points.

The referee's decision left Criciuma with a bitter taste in their mouths, depriving them of a precious point in a match played on a difficult pitch. The attempt at cunning turned into a mocking defeat for the team, which saw the equaliser slip away in the final moments in a manner as unusual as it was sensational.