In a strange turn of events demonstrating exactly how referees earn their money, Brasilian side Flamengo were awarded a penalty in perhaps the most bizarre set of circumstances you'll see in a long time. <br /><br />The league match between Brasileiro Serie A teams Flamengo and Cricuima was destined for a draw, but a late spot-kick from Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa settled the game 2-1 in the host's favor. <br /><br />A late penalty is dramatic in any normal situation, but the drama goes through the roof when it's awarded in bizarre circumstances. <br /><br />With Flamengo player Cebolinha receiving a wonderful threaded ball to put him through on goal, Criciuma's Barreto put in a challenge to stop the play – not with his body, but a SECOND BALL on the pitch. <br /><br />Eder side-footed a second ball that had made its way onto the pitch, knocking it into the live ball Cebolinha was about to take a swipe at, and out of play. <br /><br />Referee Maguielson Lima Barbosa did not hesitate in blowing his whistle and awarded Flamengo a spot-kick in the game's death. <br /><br />Barreto, meanwhile, received a yellow, presumable for unsportsmanlike conduct, or some other stipulation around unlawfully impeding play. <br /><br />It remains unclear, however, which code the Brasilian ref may have cited in his post-match report at Flamengo's home, Mane Garrincha. <br /><br />It's not the first time in recent memory that an external force stopped play in a Brasilian football match. <br /><br />Back in 2022, a police dog invaded the pitch in the Brasilian state championship final and hilariously ran off with the ball in its mouth. <br /><br />Still, the defining moment two balls were better than one is surely handed to the iconic Premier League moment Darren Bent scored a penalty that ricocheted off a beach ball, against Liverpool in 2009.
