The STJD has acquitted Flamengo midfielder Erick Pulgar and Fluminense director Mattheus Montenegro, ending the legal disputes stemming from the recent Fla-Flu classic.
The Superior Sports Justice Court (STJD) has put an end to the disciplinary controversies surrounding the last Fla-Flu match. In a session held this Thursday, both midfielder Erick Pulgar and Fluminense director Mattheus Montenegro were cleared of the accusations against them, leaving the court without any sports sanctions.
The case involving the Flamengo player, in particular, had generated significant anticipation among fans of O Mais Querido (The Most Beloved). The player was being investigated for an alleged violent play against Castillo, an incident that had caused intense dissatisfaction from the Laranjeiras team during the match.
Unanimous Decision for Pulgar
Upon analyzing Erick Pulgar‘s case, the court agreed that the infraction did not constitute sufficient severity for additional punishment beyond the yellow card already issued by referee Rafael Rodrigo Klein on the field. The three judges unanimously voted for acquittal based on Article 254 of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code (CBJD).
The unanimous acquittal reaffirms that the player’s conduct on the field was interpreted by the court as a common game incident, without the need for further disciplinary action.
Tight Outcome for Fluminense’s Management
Unlike the straightforward decision for the player, the situation for Fluminense’s director, Mattheus Montenegro, was more tense. The official faced proceedings for conduct contrary to ethics due to harsh criticism directed at the referees and the use of VAR immediately after the classic match concluded.
Although the vote was close — with a 2-1 split among the magistrates leading to acquittal — Montenegro also avoided a potential suspension that could have ranged from 15 to 180 days. With the conclusion of these hearings, Flamengo ensures the full availability of Pulgar for upcoming commitments, while Fluminense continues with its management without administrative restrictions. The judicial chapter, marked by intense accusations, now closes, allowing the focus to shift entirely back to the competition on the field.
