Flamengo midfielder Erick Pulgar has been reported to the STJD for violent conduct and could miss up to six matches for the Rubro-Negro squad.
The atmosphere behind the scenes in Brazilian football heated up following the latest Rio de Janeiro derby. The Superior Court of Sporting Justice decided to act firmly and filed charges that are making waves in the sports news this week, putting key players from Flamengo and Fluminense at the center of a disciplinary process that promises major developments.
The tribunal’s main agenda involves a hard challenge that occurred during the weekend clash. Midfielder Erick Pulgar was cited by the body after catching an opponent’s knee area with his studs, a play that immediately sparked outrage among fans and officials of the Tricolor club.
The Complaint Against the Rubro-Negro Midfielder
During the derby, the on-field referee only showed a yellow card to the Chilean player. The decision drew heavy criticism, especially because the video assistant referee team chose not to recommend a review of the play, despite the apparent severity of the impact suffered by Rodrigo Castillo.
With the formal filing of charges based on the article that punishes violent play, the Flamengo player faces a real risk of severe punishment. The player’s absence from the trial is already confirmed, as he traveled with the squad for crucial international commitments in the Copa Libertadores.
Tricolor Executive in the Tribunal’s Crosshairs
The club from Laranjeiras will also have to deal with legal issues stemming from the same derby. Tricolor president Mattheus Montenegro was cited by the STJD over harsh statements made against the performance of the refereeing crew and the VAR right after the final whistle.
The executive’s outrage revolved not only around the lack of a red card for Erick Pulgar, but also complaints regarding uncalled penalties in favor of his team. In a statement fiercely criticized by sporting authorities, the president blasted the officiating crew:
To be clear: the officiating was garbage. Absolute crap. Garbage, absolute crap. To start with: Pulgar’s yellow card, it’s absurd that play wasn’t a red card. I just saw Castillo’s knee, it has the mark of the cleat studs on it. I ask: where was the VAR? Was it sleeping? Anyone watching the game saw it was a red card.
Next Steps and Judgment
The tribunal has scheduled the decisive session to review both cases, generating anticipation behind the scenes at both Rio de Janeiro giants. While Flamengo focuses its attention on a decisive duel on Argentine soil in the continental competition, Fluminense prepares to face Palmeiras.
As of this writing, neither club’s board of directors has issued official statements commenting on the charges or the potential sanctions their representatives may face in the sports courts.
