STJD suspends Gabriel Brazão, from Santos, for arbitration offenses

The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) announced, this Friday (29), that it suspended Gabriel Brazão, a Santos player, for offending the refereeing in the 14th round game of the Brasileirão, against Palmeiras.

Brazão's words were directed to referee Raphael Claus, complaining about a yellow card received in the first half of the match.

"I think Claus was very judicious there for the fans, and everything. I think, in my opinion, he didn't deserve it. So much so that, when I was going to touch the ball, Flaco was inside the area, that can't be done and I warned him, and right after I touched it he gave me a yellow card. So, that's complicated, but as I said, it's a matter of arbitration, it's not up to me to say whether it's right or not, but I think he was very judicious, because he's in the house From Palmeiras we know that when in doubt it's always them", said the goalkeeper in an interview after the classic.

In the majority of votes, the STJD defined a four-match suspension for the athlete and a fine of R$4,000. The action was judged based on article 243-F of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice. Furthermore, the decision was handed down in the first instance and is subject to appeal.

"There is no way to escape the argument that this is not an offense to the refereeing team. In this case, it was an interview after the game, it even contextualizes that it was not a statement, the athletes are forced to pass through the mixed zone. They are asked by the press, it was not a spontaneous statement. The stance there was not one of offense, or disrespect, but of criticism. The defense's request could not be any other than for total acquittal", said lawyer Marcelo Mendes, who defended Gabriel Coat of arms.

"To impute to a referee that his decisions are influenced by the field command in a systematic way is not legitimate sporting criticism, it is an accusation of partiality and partiality, in the exercise of the refereeing function, represents serious ethical and deontological conduct, capable of even attracting disciplinary responsibility. The referee is the authority that symbolizes impartiality and neutrality on the field and has his objective honor directly affected when it is publicly stated that his decisions, when in doubt, systematically favor the referee. This passage is not hesitation, it is assertive. For this reason, I recognize the typical conduct of CBJD's 243-F", stated Rafael Bozzano, auditor reporting the process.

If the suspension is maintained, Brazão will miss the games against Vitória, Botafogo, Chapecoense and São Paulo. The clash against the Bahians takes place this Saturday (30), at 8pm (Brasília time), in Vila Belmiro, valid for the 18th round of the Brasileirão.

Neymar could leave Santos for an MLS team, says newspaper; find out more

Source: CNN