The Flamengo/Marinha team did not play against Barcelona this Tuesday (15.09), in a match valid for the fourth round of the Women's State Football Championship. Reason: the deplorable condition of the pitch at the João Francisco Stadium, located in Bangu, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The decision not to field the team was made by the coaching staff, fearing the obvious risk of injury to the athletes.

 

According to the Flamengo/Marinha coaching staff, referee Simone Xavier de Paula e Silva acknowledged that the field was in poor condition, but claimed she had been ordered to start the game regardless of the pitch's condition. Flamengo/Marinha officials also stated that the referee confided that she was also at risk of injury.

 

Barcelona's coaching staff also acknowledged that the conditions were not right for the match to take place, but they still fielded their team and were ready to play.

 

According to Flamengo/Marinha officials, the amount of water and mud was so great that it caused the demarcation lines to disappear in several places. The penalty spot was completely obscured. There was no demarcation on the corner flag.

 

The referee informed in the report that Flamengo/Marinha refused to enter the field and now the team may be punished with a WO. The decision will be up to the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation (FFERJ), the entity responsible for guaranteeing minimum conditions for the practice of football in the state.

 

Flamengo/Marinha has the best campaign in the Women's State Championship, with a 100% success rate.

Check out the precarious state of the lawn in the gallery below.