Flamengo criticizes officiating after defender Danilo suffers jaw fractures

Flamengo has issued an official statement criticizing match officiating following a series of player injuries, most recently involving defender Danilo. The club reported that its players have suffered nine fractures during matches in 2026, describing the frequency as ‘practically one fracture per month.’

During a recent derby against Fluminense, Danilo sustained two jaw fractures following a collision with goalkeeper Fábio. Despite visible bleeding, the player remained in the match until the final whistle. He underwent successful surgery on October 12 and is expected to be sidelined for over a month, missing critical fixtures in the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores semifinals against Estudiantes.

The club also noted that midfielder Carrascal suffered facial bruising from an elbow during the same match and is undergoing medical evaluation. Flamengo’s statement expressed frustration with referees for allowing ‘harsh and aggressive’ plays, arguing that the lack of timely match stoppages has contributed to the rising injury rate.