THE Venezuelan national team have been accused of using the dark arts to get over the line in their World Cup qualifier against Brazil.
Venezuela had managed to keep the scores level against Brazil despite the five-time World Cup champions strong favourites in the match and dominating the ball.
Raphinha’s first-half strike was cancelled out by an early goal in the second spell by Telasco Segovia.
While Vinicius Junior missed a chance to put to the visitors ahead when he failed to score a 62nd minute penalty.
But as Venezuela held on to what was a valuable point against one of the Conmebol’s strongest outfits, their chances of keeping it all level were handed a blow.
Referee Andrés José Rojas Noguera sent off Venezuela winger Alexander Gonzalez in the 89th minute.
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The dismissal left Venzuela with 10 men and another six minutes to play including added time.
But before Brazil were able to take full advantage of their extra man, the sprinklers went off on the Estadio Monumental de Maturin pitch.
The unbelievable moment killed Brazil’s momentum as they pinned Venezuela in their own box and delayed the game until the issue was resolved.
And football fans have suggested that Venezuela could have even set the sprinklers off ON PURPOSE to help them grind out a point.
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On social media, one fan wrote: “Venezuela brought out the sprinklers to make the referee end the game against Brazil”.
While another added: “93rd minute, 1-1 in a WC Qualifier. Brazil about to attack again and Venezuela set off the water sprinklers. South American s***housery of the highest order…”
A third joked that the incident was: “World class s***housery”.
And a fourth commented: “Bruh, this dark arts stuff is out of hand”.
There is no evidence or suggestion that Venezuela did in fact set off the sprinklers on purpose.
The game ended 1-1 with the result meaning Brazil now sit third in the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings and Venezuela are down in seventh.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
