Former referee Marcelo de Lima Henrique admits error in Flamengo title win

Former referee Marcelo de Lima Henrique has admitted to a significant officiating error during the 2014 Campeonato Carioca final between Flamengo and Vasco da Gama. Reflecting on his 32-year career, Henrique stated that if he could erase one match, it would be that specific final.

During the second leg at the Maracanã, Vasco was leading 1-0 in stoppage time. Flamengo secured the championship following a goal by Márcio Araújo after a rebound from a header. Henrique confirmed that the player was in an offside position when the goal was scored.

He explained that the error occurred because the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was not in use at the time, making officiating a "sectorized" process. Because the assistant referee validated the goal and the central official did not see the infraction in the rapid sequence, the goal was confirmed. Henrique expressed remorse, noting that major clubs deserve correct decisions.