Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has stakes in a number of clubs, and he showed his angry side as his Brazilian team Botafogo fell to a late defeat.
Textor owns a minority stake in Crystal Palace, as well as owning French side Lyon, who are bottom of Ligue 1, and Botafogo, who are top of the Brazilian Serie A.
Botafogo have let a 13-point lead at the top slip in recent weeks, with Palmeiras now just three points behind, and the side lost 4-3 at home last night having gone 3-0 up.
A red card to Adryelson did not help matters, and Textor was furious at the decision which ultimately led to the defeat.
John Textor’s rant after Botafogo defeat
Speaking on the pitch after the game, the owner went on a furious rant, calling out Brazilian Football Confederation President Ednaldo Rodrigues Gomes, accusing the league of corrupt refereeing decisions.
“The whole world saw it, that is not a red card, he got the ball first. If it’s even a foul I’m not sure it is not a red card he changed the game, this is corruption, this is a theft,” he exclaimed.
“Please fine me Ednaldo, but you need to resign tomorrow morning, that’s what needs to happen.
“This championship has become a joke, nobody deserves this, these players from Palmeiras, they don’t want to win this way, we don’t want to lose this way, it’s like five games in a row.
The Palmeiras players then walked past Textor, and he addressed the opposition squad with his next outburst.
“Gentlemen, you played a good game, it’s not your fault but this is ____ing corruption, this has to change and Ednaldo you need to resign for the good of the game, it has to be over now. This is theft, fine me, you can red card me, it’s my stadium. I’ll still be here.”
Textor’s involvement in his teams
There has been a range of emotions at Textor’s main clubs, with Lyon in crisis at the bottom, and Botafogo top of their league, whilst Palace remain firmly in mid-table.
Although it may be encouraging to see Textor take such a passionate role with his teams at games, there may be caution over how much owners should get involved when it comes to on-pitch events.
Textor’s rant will almost certainly land him in trouble in Brazil, and it may even cause more distraction off the pitch for the staff and players at the club. Should he do the same at Crystal Palace at any point, it would attract a lot of unwanted attention, whilst the team will want to focus on their own game.
