Watch: Barcelona captain Raphinha sent off alongside Ancelotti after Brazil defeat against Japan

Watch: Barcelona captain Raphinha sent off alongside Ancelotti after Brazil defeat against Japan Raphinha endured a frustrating evening in Singapore as Brazil lost 3-2 to Japan on November 14, with the Barcelona captain receiving a straight red card alongside head coach Carlo Ancelotti following protests over Japan’s stoppage-time winner.  The dismissal came just weeks after the forward’s comments about managing his international workload sparked controversy in Brazil. Raphinha had recently returned from a muscle problem and admitted during his contract renewal ceremony that he was not yet fully fit.  Although he subsequently clarified his comments, his involvement against Japan has renewed attention on the club’s concerns about his physical condition. Raphinha starts despite concerns over his fitness Barcelona had reason to be cautious about Raphinha’s involvement after he suffered repeated muscular problems during recent international windows.  Following his contract extension until 2030, the forward explained that he had spoken with Ancelotti about looking after his physical condition. However, his comments were interpreted by some as a request to limit his playing time.  Raphinha addressed that controversy at a press conference in Singapore, insisting that he wanted to represent Brazil whenever he was physically capable.  He explained that his intention was to avoid further injuries, not to dictate which matches he should play. Ancelotti selected the Barcelona forward in the starting line-up against Japan, deploying him centrally as Brazil’s number nine.  Ultimately, Raphinha was replaced by Endrick in the 71st minute, having contributed 39 touches, two shots on target and one clear chance created.  Japan comeback ends with controversial red cards Brazil struggled defensively and conceded twice inside the opening 19 minutes through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura.  Raphinha was sent off against Japan for protesting. (Photo by Ashok Kumar/Getty Images) Vinicius Jr. brought Brazil back into the contest with two goals, equalising in the 75th minute after his first strike had reduced the deficit. Japan nevertheless secured victory through Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s stoppage-time goal.  Brazil’s players and coaching staff protested over a possible foul on Joao Gomes during the build-up, with Raphinha and Ancelotti both receiving straight red cards. The result leaves Raphinha with an unwanted disciplinary incident to accompany an already difficult international break.  His dismissal also means Brazil will need to assess his availability for their next friendly against Singapore on November 17.