Dagoberto crowned King Cai-Cai

São Paulo forward, Dagoberto, is a marked man with officials in Brazil.

In a survey published in Placar magazine this month, of the country’s eighteen FIFA qualified referees and assistants, five of the officials picked out Dagoberto as the player most prone to simulation.

The 24 year old won the tag ‘Cai-cai’ (drop drop or fall fall) as referees said they would think twice about blowing the whistle in his favour.

Right behind Dagoberto was Palmeiras’ Valdívia (no surprises there) and former São Paulo man, Leandro, who is now at Japan’s Verdy Tokyo.

The referees were also asked about the game’s biggest whingers. São Paulo’s Rogério Ceni came in first with officials stating that the keeper would often race the full length of the pitch to complain about a decision. Leandro (see above), Fábio Luciano of Flamengo, and ex Grêmio midfielder, Tcheco, were also listed.

In the ‘troublesome player’ category, Leandro and Fábio Luciano were featured once again, alongside Botafogo’s Túlio and Valdívia.

But the ‘saint’ section produced some surprises. Romário is the player who causes the officials the least amount of aggro. And even though Rogério Ceni was branded a constant whiner, he also makes the saint’s list. Internacional’s Fernandão is also there but perhaps the biggest shock is the inclusion of Edmundo. The Vasco player used to be called the animal for violent attacks on the opposition and at times, even against his teammates.

When it comes to coaches, Santos’ Emerson Leão is the most unpopular with the referees. Internacional’s Abel Braga and Corinthians’ Mano Menezes also get a mention. Palmeiras’ Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Muricy Ramalho at São Paulo, and Caio Júnior of Goiás, are seen as the good guys.

Brazil’s stadiums also get a mention with Santos’ Vila Belmiro, Vasco’s São Januário, Palmeiras’ Palestra Itália and Ponte Preta’s Moisés Lucarelli deemed the most uncomfortable places to ref because of the proximity of the fans to the pitch.

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