Scolari suspended 6 matches for criticizing ref

Published May. 20, 2011 5:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been suspended six games for saying that a referee was predetermined to make calls against his team in the semifinals of the Sao Paulo state championship.

The sports tribunal also fined the Brazilian about $25,000 (?17,500) for his remarks after Palmeiras had a player sent off and was eliminated by Corinthians on penalties on May 1.

Palmeiras didn't want referee Paulo Cesar de Oliveira to officiate the match after a newspaper reported that he would be selected, but officials kept him in the selection process and he was eventually picked.

Oliveira gave a straight red card to Palmeiras defender Danilo in a controversial incident early in the first half and Scolari complained heavily in the post-match news conference.

The game was 0-0 when Danilo was dismissed. The game finished 1-1 after regulation time and Corinthians went on to win 5-4 on penalties.

Palmeiras goalkeeper Deola also complained on Twitter after the match and received a two-match suspension for his remarks, while Danilo got the usual one-match suspension for the foul that prompted his red card.

Palmeiras and Santos are Brazil's most successful league clubs, with eight titles each. Palmeiras starts this year's Brazilian league season on Sunday against Botafogo.