‘This is f***ing corruption, this is theft’: Crystal Palace’s American billionaire co-owner John Textor loses his cool on live TV in Brazil, raging at a decision going against another club he owns

Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor lost his rag and accused Brazilian football of ‘corruption’ after his Botafogo side lost 4-3 to Palmeiras in dramatic fashion.

American businessman Textor purchased a 40 per cent stake in Crystal Palace in 2021, while he also owns Lyon, Botafogo and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek. 

Botafogo were taken over by Textor last year and finished 11th in the Brazilian Serie A, but have enjoyed a fantastic campaign this time around and are currently top with just eight games to go.

The club has only ever won the Brazilian first division title twice in history – with their last triumph coming all the way back in 1995 – but they faced off against title rivals Palmeiras in the early hours of Thursday morning.

However, in a tense and chaotic clash, Textor’s side threw away a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3, with Palmeiras’ winner coming in in the ninth minute of stoppage time at the end of the second half. The result reduced Botafogo’s lead at the top to just three points.

Textor owns Brazilian side Botafogo who threw away a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3 to Palmeiras

The game hinged on a controversial red card handed to Botofago defender Adryelson after a long VAR check when the score was still score 3-1.

Tiquinho Soares then missed a penalty for Botofago before they conceded three goals after 84 minutes to somehow lose.

And, after the game, Textor unleashed a furious rant live on Brazilian TV and accused the authorities of undermining the game.

‘The whole world saw that is not a red card, he got the ball first,’ Textor fumed.  I’m not sure if it is even a foul. He got a red card, it changed the game, this is corruption, this is a theft. 

‘Please fine me Ednaldo (Rodrigues – Brazilian Football Confederation president), but you need to resign tomorrow morning. That’s what needs to happen. 

‘This championship is a joke. Nobody deserves this, Palmeiras don’t want to win this guy, we don’t want to lose this way.’

The game hinged on a red card handed to Botofago defender Adryelson after a long VAR check

Textor unleashed a furious rant at the decision and accused Brazilian authorities of ‘corruption’

Textor, who was conducting this interview pitchside with Brazilian channel sporTV, then turned to the Palmeiras players as they headed into the tunnel.

He added: ‘Gentleman you played a good game. It’s not your fault but this is f***ing corruption. 

‘This has to change. Ednaldo you have 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.’