Palmeiras requests suspension of refs in game against Sao Paulo

BRASILIA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- After Sunday's loss due to a one goal difference against Sao Paulo, Palmeiras is asking for a substitution of referees in the next and decisive game of the semifinals in the Sao Paulo state tournament.

The commotion is due to a goal scored by Adriano off his right hand.

"We will do what we can. On Tuesday afternoon, the vice-president of the team, Gilbero Cipullo, will go to the Sao Paulo Federation of Soccer to personally deliver our request of a veto of Paulo Cesar de Oliveira and Maria Eliza Correira Barboasa.We do not want them in control of our fate," said Palmeiras team manager Toninho Cecilio.

According to the president of the Sao Paulo Federation of Soccer, Marcos Marinho, "did not see the hand ball while Paulo Cesar only saw the attempt of Adriano to head the ball in the goal. I saw the same angle as the refs and think it would have been very difficult to call such a foul," the president of the federation pardoned the officials of any wrong doing.