# Botafogo Fans Protest Hiring of Former Referee Marcelo de Lima Henrique Controversial appointment as arbitration advisor sparks backlash due to historical match disputes. - **Source:** [GE Globo – Futebol](https://ge.globo.com/futebol) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4af99703-3183-4ae8-8ce6-ef2465c70ab8 ## Controversial New Role Botafogo SAF has hired former referee Marcelo de Lima Henrique to serve as an arbitration advisor. Although the club has not officially announced the appointment, the move has triggered significant backlash from the fanbase. The role aims to bridge communication between the club and the Brazilian Football Confederation regarding officiating standards. ## Fanbase Resistance Grows Supporters have taken to social media to express their strong disapproval of the hiring. Former Botafogo vice-president Vinicius Asumpção initiated a virtual petition demanding the immediate dismissal of Lima Henrique. Fans are urging club president João Paulo Magalhães Lins to respect the historical memory and identity of the Alvinegro institution. ## The 2008 Taça Guanabara The primary source of the rejection stems from the 2008 Taça Guanabara final between Botafogo and Flamengo. Marcelo de Lima Henrique officiated the match, where a controversial penalty call against Botafogo shifted the game's momentum. Flamengo eventually won 2-1, leading to widespread frustration among Botafogo players, staff, and the club's supporters. ## Legacy of the Chororô The 2008 match resulted in multiple red cards and intense post-game protests from Botafogo players and then-president Bebeto de Freitas. The incident became infamously known as the 'chororô' in Brazilian football culture. This historical trauma remains a sensitive point for fans, who view the referee's involvement in that match as deeply unjust. ## Referee's Perspective In a recent interview, Marcelo de Lima Henrique defended his past performance, specifically citing the 2008 penalty call. He claimed that photographic evidence later supported his decision to penalize Ferrero for holding Fábio Luciano. Despite his defense, he acknowledged the intense criticism he faced from the Botafogo community during his career. ## New Institutional Duties Beyond serving as a liaison with the Brazilian Football Confederation, Lima Henrique is tasked with educating players on evolving football rules. He will conduct regular sessions to update the squad on officiating changes. The club hopes this internal expertise will provide a strategic advantage during matches and improve overall discipline. ## Official Silence Maintained Botafogo SAF has not issued an official statement regarding the hiring, despite confirmation of the role through various reports. The club did not respond to requests for comment regarding the public outcry. Meanwhile, the former referee has already begun documenting his first days at the club on his personal social media. ## Broader Organizational Impact This situation highlights the tension between professionalizing club operations and respecting fan sentiment. By integrating a former official into the staff, Botafogo seeks to navigate complex arbitration landscapes more effectively. However, the move underscores the risks clubs face when ignoring historical rivalries and the emotional connection fans maintain with past events. ## Sources covering this story - https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/botafogo/noticia/2026/11/06/torcedores-do-botafogo-criticam-contratacao-de-marcelo-de-lima-henrique-entenda-origem-da-rejeicao.ghtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._