In his reunion with Botafogo fans after leaving the club in May this year, Argentine defender Alexander Barboza, currently at Palmeiras, criticized the jeers he received during the goalless draw between the teams, held last Sunday at Nilton Santos Stadium. In the mixed zone after the match, the defender commented that he didn't expect the negative reception and stated that he always respected, honored, and defended the Botafogo shirt. Barboza said he didn't deserve the jeers but acknowledged that football is like that, sending a hug to the fans who have affection for him.
The player had a quiet performance during the match and was sent off in stoppage time of the second half after receiving his second yellow card. The punishment came because he struck an elbow into forward Kadir. In the first half, Barboza had already been punished with a yellow card for a foul on Huguinho at the edge of the area.
Throughout the game, Botafogo fans jeered Barboza every time he touched the ball, just as happened with midfielder Marlon Freitas, who also left the club recently. The episode generated tension in the reunion between the Argentine player and his former fans, highlighting the poor relationship built during his time at Botafogo.
