Raphinha: "I apologize for my red card but this refereeing was not acceptable"

Raphinha apologized for his red card in Brazil's 3-2 friendly loss to Japan in Singapore but criticized the referee's performance.

Raphinha was sent off late in Brazil's 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Singapore on Saturday, with the Barcelona forward receiving a red card from referee Jansen Foo. After the match, Raphinha apologized for his dismissal but expressed frustration with the officiating.

"I want to apologize for my red card, but it's difficult to control yourself after seeing so many referee errors," he said. He claimed the referee made multiple mistakes throughout the game, including failing to call a foul that led to Japan's opening goal, not awarding what he believed was a penalty on him, and missing a clear foul on João in the buildup to Japan's third goal.

Despite the loss, Raphinha acknowledged that Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, needs to improve but felt the team is progressing after the World Cup. "The second half was better than the first," he added.