Rogério Ceni Criticizes Refereeing Following Bahia’s Loss to Fluminense
Bahia expressed significant frustration regarding the officiating performance led by Jodis Nascimento de Souza during this Sunday’s (12) friendly against Fluminense.
The Rio de Janeiro side defeated the team from Bahia 2-0, with goals coming from Hulk and Germán Cano.
Coach Rogério Ceni voiced his strong disapproval following the match at the Maracanã.
Two specific incidents fueled his criticism: the decision to disallow a goal by Erick due to an alleged foul by Willian José—when the match remained scoreless—and a potential penalty appeal for Ademir that the referee dismissed.
Ceni stated that he had previously requested referees from outside the Rio de Janeiro region, a request that went unfulfilled.
He further accused the match official of being “hired to make the result happen.”
Jodis Nascimento de Souza represents the Rio federation and has officiated fourteen official matches in CBF competitions throughout the current season.
His experience includes one Série A match, specifically Atlético-MG’s 1-0 victory over São Paulo in March. Additionally, he has refereed three Série B matches, four Série C matches, two Série D matches, one Copa do Brasil match, two Copa Sul-Sudeste matches, and one Brasileirão U-20 fixture.
What now? 📅
Ceni and his Bahia squad return to the pitch next Friday (17) to host Chapecoense in a rescheduled match from the fourth round of the Brasileirão.
This remains the only competition currently on their schedule.
Bahia currently occupies sixth place in the league table, holding 26 points from 17 matches.
Meanwhile, Fluminense sits in third place with 31 points from 18 matches. They are scheduled to host Red Bull Bragantino on the same day, which will mark their match for the 19th round.
View the updated Brasileirão standings here.
