The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) has set the punishments for those involved in the controversial match between Vitória and Palmeiras, confirming significant absences for Leão in their next fixture.
The tense atmosphere surrounding the clash between Esporte Clube Vitória and Palmeiras took new turns this Tuesday. In a hearing held by the STJD, defenders Cacá and Luan Cândido were penalized due to the early expulsions that left the Baiano team numerically disadvantaged early in the first half of the match.
The court’s decision sealed the fate of the players, who will now be absent from Vitória’s squad in the important showdown against Flamengo. The match, valid for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Serie A, takes place this Sunday, at 7:30 PM, at Maracanã, and head coach Jair Ventura will have to readjust the defensive system to face the Rio de Janeiro side.
Details of the Punishments at the STJD
In Cacá‘s case, the punishment for violent play was converted into a warning after the hearing. Defender Luan Cândido, who was the protagonist of one of the most talked-about images of the round—when he made a “robbery” gesture towards the refereeing—received a one-match suspension for conduct contrary to sportsmanship.
Since both only need to serve their automatic suspension, the players are barred from the decisive clash in Rio de Janeiro.
Developments and Fines for Vitória
In addition to the players, the club’s leadership was also under the tribunal’s scrutiny. President Fábio Mota, who had been denounced for his controversial statements after the final whistle against Palmeiras, was ultimately acquitted by the majority of the auditors.
On the other hand, Vitória did not escape financial sanctions unscathed. The club was fined R$ 10,000 for not holding the mandatory press conference after the heavy defeat. Meanwhile, Palmeiras player Maurício, who was also judged for a collision incident against Cacá, had his penalty converted into a warning and remains available to the Palmeiras coaching staff.
The absence of the defensive duo poses a logistical and tactical challenge for Vitória. With the aim of scoring points away from home against Flamengo, the coaching staff is now working with the remaining squad members to cover the absence of the starters and try to overcome the current period of instability in the Serie A standings.
M360 Team
