THE GLOBE

So that Fla doesn't go too far

Official barbecue chef of Gávea, Uruguayan Tchê warns about Nacional's tricks

Photo caption: RUBEN ETCHEVARRIA, known as Tchê, shows a poster to goalkeeper Bruno: the Uruguayan gave the ball for Rondinelli's goal in 1978

Pedro Motta Gueiros

From his increasingly faded childhood memories in Uruguay in the 30s, photographer Ruben Etchevarria preserves the image of children with a piece of raw meat in one hand to serve as a pacifier and a glass of wine diluted with water in the other. As a teenager, he discovered the virility and pride of local soccer, but upon arriving in Brazil in the 50s, he began dancing to a more measured rhythm. The official barbecue chef for Flamengo, world champion in 1981, Tchê has the recipe for the current team to overcome its emotional imbalance and catimba tomorrow against Nacional in the Libertadores: blood, only after games, on the Uruguayan's undercooked pieces.

"Don't think Nacional will come back smiling. They'll just keep hitting and falling," said the Uruguayan, with the wisdom and language of someone who has been a regular at Maracanã for 56 years.

Team has 60 cards in 16 games this year

Ever since he used a gunpowder flash camera, Tchê has been more than just a spectator. In 1976, after Rivellino slipped down the locker room stairs while fleeing Ramírez, the Brazilians launched a manhunt for the Uruguayan, but Tchê found a way to avoid sending the photos to Montevideo to avoid retaliation against his Rio friends. On the sidelines, his work wasn't just preventative. Flamengo, the 1978 Guanabara Cup champion, needed to beat Vasco in the final game of the second half to win the title. In the 40th minute of the second half, when even the Flamengo fans were resigned to a 0-0 draw, Marco Antônio kicked the ball out for a corner, which ended up at the Uruguayan's legs.

- Hey Galôôô!!! - he shouted, eager to wake Zico. - It's still possible.

Zico took the ball from Tchê's hands and sent in the corner kick for Rondinelli to score the winning goal. For those who suspect the story of a crazed Flamengo fan, Zico's testimony and the star's affection for the photographer confirm it. Relations have changed, but Tchê maintains access to the players' restricted area, where he offers them photos, which are also for sale at 180 stands throughout the city.

"I do everything on foot," he said, on the eve of his 82nd birthday. "The Flamengo jersey is a legend to me; it makes me happy and smart. I'm always ready to help the club."

In the 70s, he traveled as head of the delegation, but he worked as an ambassador. To the dismay of the late wardrobe manager Ferrugem, he carried bags full of pennants, shields, and gifts. Today, Tchê uses the language to welcome the Hispanics Colace, Maxi, and Gavillán, as he did with the Uruguayan Manicera, when he opened the doors of his home in Grajaú to him.

- I told the woman to make some gringo food, I put on some tango music on the record player and, as he lived there, Manicera regained his strength.

Flamengo also needs a boost against the Uruguayans. Last year, they were eliminated from the Libertadores by Defensor Sport at the same Maracanã stadium where Peñarol ended Flamengo's dream of a second championship in 82. Six years later, Nacional silenced nearly 70 fans at the stadium where Flamengo lost the old Supercopa. Current assistant coach, former star Andrade, was present in those defeats, but he doesn't feel inferior. In 22 meetings with Nacional, each has won 11.

- They have the marking and we have the skill. When we get into their game, it always goes wrong.

By violating its style, Flamengo has been racking up cards: 54 yellow cards and six red cards in 16 games this year. Besides showing direction on the field, Andrade sets an example of calm and respect for the club. With Gávea in darkness, he walked alone across the field to collect scattered cones at the end of training.

"This is our home, we have to take care of it," he said before giving the Uruguayan a knowing hug. "Since we were given everything, there was always barbecue."

For now, the party is postponed. In yesterday's training session, the reserves in blue, Nacional's color, defeated the starters 3-0. On the sidelines, comedian Chico Anysio, who had taken one of his grandchildren to the youth teams, asked coach Joel Santana to unplug the team. Despite the excesses committed in recent games, there's no reason for jokes. Like a barbecue, Tchê teaches that Flamengo must be taken seriously. If it gets too hot, it's overcooked.

SPORTS JOURNAL

Márcio Braga: 'We don't have to play in Cuzco'

Official Website

Márcio Braga wants Conmebol to comply with FIFA's recommendation

President Márcio Braga declared this Monday that Flamengo will not play in Cuzco, Peru, against Cienciano. The altitude in this city is approximately 3.500 meters. He is basing his decision on the ruling by soccer's governing body, FIFA.

"Flamengo doesn't have to play in Cuzco, based on FIFA's decision, which ratified last Friday its decision not to hold matches above 2.750m. CONMEBOL has to comply with this measure. We will wait. The one in default with FIFA is not Flamengo, but the South American Confederation. It has to comply with the decision, because there is, indeed, a real risk of death in games under these conditions," Márcio Braga told Rádio Bandeirantes.

Regarding next Wednesday's Copa Libertadores match against Nacional de Montevideo, the club's president is hoping for a victory. "It's a very important game, because we have to win. We're going after the victory," concluded Márcio Braga.

Clubs discuss broadcast rights in SP

ESPN makes original proposal to Clube dos 13 for the rights to the Brasileirão

The Club of 13 will meet this Monday in São Paulo to review proposals from television networks seeking to acquire broadcast rights to the 2009, 2010, and 2011 Brazilian Championships. As of last Friday, three envelopes had been delivered to the organization: one from broadcast television and two from cable television. The highlight is the innovative proposal from ESPN Brasil, a broadcaster specializing in European championships.

The current broadcast contract earns the clubs approximately R$350 million. The Club of 13 hopes to increase the figure to R$500 million in the next signing, according to Marcelo Penha, advisor to the Fluminense presidency. He believes the more proposals submitted, the better it will be for the clubs.

THE DAY

A team on the verge of a nervous breakdown

Fights in training, players who think violent play is normal, and 55 cards: this is the current Fla

Rodrigo Lima

Rio - The loss to Botafogo has worsened the players' mood and left the atmosphere at Flamengo tense on the eve of tomorrow's match against Nacional, from Uruguay, at the Maracanã, which could decide the club's future in the Copa Libertadores. The squad's nerves are clearly on edge.

And it's not just in the game that the team shows signs of imbalance. The punishments announced by the board the day before, intended to curb the hotheaded players, didn't calm things down. Yesterday, in a training session against a mix of reserves and juniors, the starters were thrashed 3-0. Souza, after a rough play, nearly came to blows with junior team defender Anderson. The forward, who also had a disagreement with Léo Medeiros, had to be restrained to avoid a fight with his teammate.

And it was only not worse because coach Joel Santana, lost and trying to make several changes, ended the activity before the starters conceded any more goals. The team trained with Bruno, Luisinho, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, Juan, Cristian, Kléberson, Íbson, Renato Augusto, Souza and Diego Tardelli.

The players also show imbalance in their statements. Yesterday, supporter Cristian clashed with a reporter when asked about the team's recent expulsions.

"For me, everything was normal. This is a team of men, not women," the player said, even mocking Brazilian star Marta, who doesn't play violently. "I'm not going to ask for a favor. Coming together and arguing in soccer matches is normal. Getting sent off is normal."

The team's imbalance can also be seen in numbers. In 16 games this season, Flamengo has received no fewer than 55 cards, six of which were red. The most undisciplined is midfielder Jônatas, who received five yellow cards and was sent off on Sunday for headbutting Jorge Henrique.

The 'troublemakers' Souza and Íbson, as well as Diego Tardelli, who came from São Paulo with a reputation for being undisciplined, received four yellow cards each, with the first even being sent off in the final of the Taça Guanabara.

To try to contain the violence and improve team balance, management brought forward the training camp. Since yesterday, the players have been gathered at the team's hotel, attending lectures on how to maintain control.

Fla in the dock

Jônatas, cited for hostility, Toró, Obina and Bruno are in the court's sights

Rodrigo Lima

Rio - Flamengo players risk being punished by the Sports Justice Court. Referee Marcelo de Souza Pinto reported hostility from Flamengo supporter Jônatas, who was sent off in the match. Furthermore, Flamengo collaborator Carlos Augusto Montenegro demanded punishments from TJD prosecutor André Luís Valentin.

In the match report, the referee reports that Jônatas, after being shown the yellow card, said: "You're messing around. You got what you wanted." The red-and-black player didn't receive his first warning for assaulting Botafogo's Jorge Henrique, but for provoking his opponent. However, the image shows Jônatas headbutting the black-and-white player, despite the player's claim yesterday that he didn't assault anyone.

Marcelo de Souza Pinto also mentioned Obina's expulsion for using excessive force in a tackle from behind against the black and white Lúcio Flávio.

The TJD prosecutor assured that he will analyze the footage and may also punish Jorge Henrique for retaliating to a shot from Egídio by pushing his opponent from behind. Meanwhile, Toró and Obina could be tried for assaulting goalkeeper Castillo after Flamengo's second goal: Obina for punching the Uruguayan, and Toró for kicking an opponent who was on the ground.

"I didn't attack or kick anyone. If Castillo doesn't want contact, he should play tennis," Toró said.

Goalkeeper Bruno is another who could be punished, thanks to an elbow on Wellington Paulista.

Montenegro demanded action from the TJD, which reported seven black and white players and coach Cuca after the GB Cup final.

"Now he'll show whether he's a Flamengo fan or a prosecutor. I hope he sees the cowardly attacks that were condemned even by Flamengo's board," the director emphasized.

Only Chico Anysio brings joy to Gávea

Rio - The terrifying scene of Gávea took on a comedic tone yesterday with an illustrious visitor. Although the atmosphere wasn't conducive to smiles, the presence of comedian Chico Anysio at training relaxed coach Joel Santana and supervisor Isaías Tinoco.

It could even be a bad joke—a Vasco da Gama fan in Gávea right after a loss to Botafogo. However, the comedian visited Flamengo to ask for a chance at the red-and-black team. It wasn't for his character Coalhada, who mocked soccer players, but for his 15-year-old grandson Zanetti. "I came to bring a weapon to the enemy. He plays soccer at his school," said the comedian.

Chico Anysio greeted Joel Santana and gave the coach a tip, using all the humor that's been missing at Gávea. "You have to unplug these players. They're very energetic, very nervous. The ones who should be worried are the opponents, the Nacional team," the comedian stated.

He even took a dig at one of the stressed-out players on the squad. "Jônatas has no reason to be nervous. He plays for Flamengo, not Ferroviário," the comedian commented, comparing the Gávea team to one of the teams from his hometown, Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará.

Former full-back Júnior says Fla loses his head when he plays badly

Nilo Junior

Rio - With the experience of having won the Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian, South American, and World Cup titles with Flamengo, former full-back Júnior explained this Monday what has been happening with the team in recent games. In the commentator's opinion, this unbalanced reaction from the players has been more frequent in games where they haven't performed well, and he cited the loss to Nacional, from Uruguay, in the Copa Libertadores, and this Sunday's match against Botafogo as examples.

"Of course, the fact that it's a classic makes tempers flare, but we saw this loss of control in two matches where the team wasn't playing well. When the team plays well, there's rarely room for this kind of thing. I think these attitudes are related to the team's poor performance," he said, recalling that the team played classics in the semifinals and final of the Guanabara Cup without losing its composure.

In "Capacete"'s opinion, the only truly violent play in the 3-2 loss to Botafogo was Obina's tackle from behind on Lúcio Flávio. When asked if the player plans to do this to win over the fans, Júnior said he doesn't see it that way and explained that it usually happens when the player has a "blank" and emotions are running high.

"It's the kind of thing you can't predict. You go blank at the time, and before you know it, you've already done it. The calmer ones have already done it. Zidane is a very calm guy and was able to headbutt his opponent. A conscious fan would never approve of such an attitude."

After pointing out the problem, Júnior also tries to provide the solution:

"It takes a lot of discussion to correct this and show that Flamengo has never won anything by shouting or using violence. It takes grit, determination, and willpower, things that have always been characteristics of the club and should not be confused."

Starters lose to reserves 3-0

Rio - The first news for the red-and-black fans is a cause for concern. In Monday's training session, ahead of next Wednesday's Copa Libertadores match against Nacional, from Uruguay, a disappointing result.

In the first half, with the likely starting lineup (Diego; Luizinho, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Cristian, Ibson, Kléberson, and Renato Augusto; Diego Tardelli and Souza), with only Diego replacing Bruno, a 0-0 draw against a team of reserves and juniors. In the second half, with a more attacking team (Maxi, Marcinho, and Obina replacing Kleberson, Renato Augusto, and Tardelli), a disaster: 3-0 to the reserves.

For the captain of the red-black team, Fábio Luciano, the result came at a good time.

"It's good that this is happening now, in training, so we can correct our mistakes. If we had won, we might have thought everything was fine. Now we have two days of concentration to talk and find a better position. On Wednesday, the team will be better," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.

According to the defender, calm is needed in the match against Nacional, from Uruguay.

"The team has been doing its job. We still have a chance of qualifying. We need to remain calm and, on Wednesday, we can count on a full Maracanã stadium to put in a good performance and a great victory," he concluded.

Joel scolds the group before training

Rio - Flamengo's emotional outburst during the team's defeats appears to have affected the club's coaching staff. Before training on Monday, coach Joel Santana gathered the players for about 20 minutes to discuss the team's red cards.

The coach told the group that, from now on, no more childish expulsions will be tolerated and that anyone expelled in this way will receive a salary fine.

Vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, has already stated that intemperate attitudes like these will no longer be accepted at the club.

Márcio Braga: 'I woke up in a bad mood, very depressed'

Rio - Flamengo fans woke up this Monday with a swollen head and it couldn't be any different with one of the most important Flamengo fans: the club's president, Márcio Braga, who confessed to having woken up "very depressed".

"I woke up in a bad mood, very depressed. I don't like it when Flamengo loses. Whenever Flamengo loses, I wake up feeling bad on Monday, ever since I was a kid," he revealed in an interview with Rádio Brasil.

The president, despite thinking that Botafogo played a good game, stated that a draw would be a fairer result:

"The game was good, hard-fought, but Botafogo made it work. I think a draw would have been fairer, especially since the penalty was questionable," he analyzed.

The official also commented on FIFA's decision released last week that reiterated the limitations on games played at altitudes above 2750m:

"FIFA has revoked the ruling and ratified the decision not to have games above 2750 meters. This would require two weeks of acclimatization before the game. It is now up to Comenbol to comply with the regulations," he concluded.

SPORTS GAZETTE

In Gávea, starters are defeated in training\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In rehearsals for Wednesday's match against Nacional, from Uruguay, Flamengo's starting players didn't perform well. In a training session held Monday afternoon against a team made up of reserves and some juniors, the Flamengo starters were defeated 3-0. "It's good that this happens in training. If we'd won three or four goals, we'd think everything was fine and that we'd win easily. We have two days to talk and sort everything out, and I'm sure we can put in a great performance," said defender and captain Fábio Luciano.

As expected, coach Joel Santana replaced Leonardo Moura and Toró with Luizinho and Renato Augusto, who will serve suspensions against the Uruguayan team. During the training session, the coach also experimented, introducing Marcinho and Maxi Biancucchi in place of Kléberson and Renato Augusto.

This Tuesday afternoon, Joel will lead Flamengo's final training session before the match in the fourth round of the first phase of the Libertadores.

Obina and Jônatas must be punished for expulsion in the classic\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While right-back Leonardo Moura and midfielder Toró were pardoned for their red cards in a match against Nacional-URU about two weeks ago, this time, midfielder Jônatas and forward Obina are unlikely to escape a fine at Flamengo for the red cards they received in the derby against Botafogo last Sunday for the Taça Rio. Vice president of football Kléber Leite reacted angrily to the incident in the derby. "There was no reason for Flamengo to lose their cool in this match. We already have a guaranteed spot in the Carioca final, we're in a good position in the second round, and if we win, as I believe we will, the second round won't even have a final. If there should have been a loss of control, it would have been on Botafogo's side, not Flamengo's," said the Flamengo director.

"That won't happen here again. We lost a good opportunity to draw or win a game because of the imbalance. This isn't a spectacle our fans enjoy, and it won't happen here again, I guarantee that. It's clear that pure and simple dialogue is no longer possible," added Flamengo's vice president of football.

By advancing some of its sponsorship payments from Petrobras, Flamengo is managing to pay salaries on time. With this issue resolved, the board has more leverage to punish those who are unruly. "We've already signed with Petrobras, received our salaries, and the salaries are already deposited into the players' accounts," president Márcio Braga told Rádio Brasil.

And coach Joel Santana also showed disapproval of the expulsion of Jônatas and Obina in Sunday's classic, especially the latter.

"We had already spoken to Obina after the Fluminense game, when he had a similar incident. We told him there was no need for it at all, that it wasn't going to change the game," Joel emphasized.

Now, Joel Santana wants to forget the problems of the derby and focus solely on this Wednesday's match against Nacional-URU at the Maracanã. Any result other than a victory for the red-and-blacks will leave the Rio de Janeiro team in a very difficult position to qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

For this match, the coach already knows he will be without Leonardo Moura and Toró, both suspended. On the wing, Luizinho should get a chance. As for midfield, Joel Santana is considering starting Renato Augusto from the start, as the player has shown signs of physical recovery after a long period out due to a facial injury.

Thus, the coach can select his team as follows: Bruno, Luizinho, Ronaldo Angelim, Fábio Luciano, and Juan; Cristian, Kléberson, Ibson, and Renato Augusto; Diego Tardelli and Souza. The team will be determined after training this Tuesday afternoon in Gávea.

Classic must again end up in court

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Just like the Guanabara Cup final, Botafogo and Flamengo played a tense classic this Sunday, full of controversy and accusations of assault. The result: just like the first-round decider, the fourth-round match of the Rio Cup will end up in court. André Luís Valentim, the prosecutor for the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court, was at the Maracanã and has already announced that he will request the game tape to study any possible penalties. And, if Botafogo suffered in the Guanabara Cup final, with six players and coach Cuca indicted, this time it is Flamengo that is likely to come off worse.

The main threat is midfielder Toró, who only played in the derby because he will serve a suspension in next Wednesday's decisive match against Nacional in the Copa Libertadores. He kicked goalkeeper Castillo in the head after the Rubro-Negro's second goal.

In addition to Toró, Jônatas and Jorge Henrique may also be indicted. The midfielder headbutted the Botafogo striker, who soon after clashed with defender Egídio.

After the derby, Flamengo fans once again complained about the team's bad temper. "This wasn't necessary. You can't get worked up. We're already in the final. We knew they would provoke us," lamented Léo Moura.

"That won't happen here again. We lost a good opportunity to draw or win a game today (Sunday) because of the imbalance," added Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.

On Botafogo's side, coach Cuca saw no violence. "I don't think there was any violence. A classic like this will always be fought for, with determination, and, at least on my side, there will be loyalty," he assured.

PELENET

Expelled players are in the sights of Flamengo's board

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Angered by the expulsions of Jônatas and Obina in this Sunday's classic against Botafogo, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, adopted a harsh speech and promised to implement extreme measures in the future.

"The dialogue phase is over. Next time, we will take administrative measures. The environment is good and salaries are up to date. There is no reason for the temper," the leader stated.

Kléber Leite didn't explain what the measures would be, but hinted that he would fine players who repeatedly offend. He also downplayed the club's loss to its rival.

"I want to apologize to the fans for what we saw. The same thing happened as in the Libertadores Cup match against Nacional in Uruguay. This one against Botafogo was meaningless, as we're already in the championship final. We spoke to the players, but it's clear that dialogue alone isn't working," he threatened.

Meanwhile, coach Joel Santana preferred to use "sociology." "I don't know if it's modern life, the stress, but a player loses a match and it feels like the world has ended. That's not what sports are about," he said.

Flamengo still hopes not to play in Cusco against Cienciano-PER

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

President Márcio Braga still hopes Flamengo won't have to climb Cusco Mountain (approximately 3.400 meters). On the 9th, Flamengo will face Cienciano-PER in the Copa Libertadores. FIFA has banned matches between national teams above 2.750 meters above sea level without at least 15 days of preparation.

President Márcio Braga hopes that Fla will not face Cienciano in Cusco

Although the ruling does not cover matches between clubs, Flamengo's director filed a representation with the Sports Arbitration Council so that the rule is also extended to the Libertadores.

"I received the support of presidents Blatter (FIFA) and Platini (UEFA). Now, I hope that the CONMEBOL leaders comply with the resolution of the world's highest footballing body," he said in an interview with Radio Brasil.

Márcio Braga expressed his sadness over the team's 3-2 loss to Botafogo in the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship. "The opponent played well and deserved to win. But I don't think Jaílton's penalty on Lúcio Flávio was a good thing," he opined.

The president of the Gávea club declined to comment on the players' nervousness. In the derby, Jônatas and Obina were sent off. "This matter belongs to the vice president of football and also to the members of the coaching staff," he said evasively.

Finally, the president said that players' and employees' salaries are up to date. "We renewed the contract with Petrobras and brought all salaries up to date. We hope it will be a normal year," he concluded.

At risk of punishment, Toró defends himself and denies assaulting Castillo

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

The Flamengo-Botafogo derby has become synonymous with fierce and controversial matches. After the tumultuous clash in the Guanabara Cup final, the two teams once again engaged in anti-game drama this Sunday in the Rio Cup, the second round of the State Championship (a 3-2 victory for the black and white).

Supporter Toró (photo) denies assaulting Castillo, Botafogo goalkeeper, in the classic

Despite the TV image showing Toró kicking Castillo in the head during Flamengo's second goal, the midfielder denied the attack.

"I didn't guess. I'm just starting my career and I have a family to take care of. We only get marked by the bad things. No one sees the good things," he said.

Referee Marcelo de Souza Pinto didn't see the play, and the player wasn't sent off. However, André Luís Valentin, prosecutor of the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court (TJD-RJ), requested the footage to take the case to trial, and the athlete could be punished. Toró also offered an argument that's unlikely to be accepted if it goes to court.

"Soccer is a contact sport, a man's thing. If you don't want contact, go play tennis," said the red-and-black player in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.

In addition to Toró, Obina, Jônatas, and Bruno may face trial. The striker was sent off, but may face charges in the Court of Justice for punching Castillo in the back during the scuffle in the black and white net after Thiago Sales' goal.

Striker Jorge Henrique may also be indicted by the TJD-RJ prosecutor's office

The referee recorded in the match report the words of midfielder Jônatas against Botafogo defender André Luís at the time of his sending off. "Are you kidding? You got what you wanted."

Bruno could be punished for an alleged elbow on the black and white forward Wellington Paulista.

For Botafogo, Jorge Henrique could also return to the dock after being acquitted for the incidents in the Guanabara Cup final. In the incident that led to Jônatas's red card, the black-and-white striker retaliated against a shot from left-back Egídio and pushed his opponent.

GLOBOESPORTE

Toró: 'Football is for men'

Flamengo supporter says he didn't attack Botafogo goalkeeper: 'I didn't kick his head'

The footage shows Toró lightly kicking Castillo in the head (watch the video) while the Botafogo goalkeeper was down on the pitch. However, when questioned about the matter, the Flamengo supporter denied any aggression and suggested that Sunday's derby is a storm in a teacup.

"Football is for men. I didn't kick Castillo in the head. If you don't want contact, you have to play tennis. We all have families to take care of. But we only get marked by the bad things. No one talks about the good things," says the supporter, in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.

The day after another display of bad temper from the red-and-black players, the mood at Gávea was not good. Obina was visibly embarrassed. Captain Fábio Luciano, who did not take the field, tried to defuse the situation.

"No one here accepts losing. This shows that the players fight for victory. But of course, everything has its limits. In the match against Nacional, we have a great opportunity to dispel that impression, get the win, and finish the match with 11 men."

'I didn't attack anyone,' says Jônatas

Flamengo player says incidents in the classic against Botafogo are 'part of the game'

Eduardo Peixoto

Marcelo de Souza Pinto's report stated that Jônatas blatantly complained about the refereeing and provoked Botafogo's André Luiz. The day after his red card in the derby against Botafogo, the Flamengo midfielder gave his version of events (watch the video of the red card).

Jônatas felt a lot of fuss over a situation that's common in any derby. He assures that the rivalry didn't go too far.

"Questioning the referee is normal in a game against Boavista, and even more so against Botafogo. They're creating controversy for no reason," he told GLOBOESPORTE.COM.

The midfielder regrets having hindered Flamengo's comeback. He admits that Jorge Henrique's "waxing," persistently holding the ball, irritated him.

"I made a mistake because I stopped the game and interrupted Flamengo's comeback. There were still a few minutes left, and even with Jorge Henrique holding the ball, I could have controlled myself more. But what happened in the derby is part of the game. I didn't attack anyone, and the referee was wrong to show me a yellow card before sending me off."

VIDEOS: Leo Moura on 'Bem, Amigos!'

Full-back talks about his participation in the national team and denies problems between Flamengo players

Flamengo right-back Leo Moura appeared on SporTV's "Bem, Amigos!" program on Monday night and commented on Flamengo's nervousness in the match against Botafogo, but denied any problems among the Flamengo players. He also discussed his participation in the Brazilian national team and the Flamengo's strategies for the Copa Libertadores da América.

Classic summary could complicate matters for Jônatas

This time, it is Flamengo that risks losing out in the Sports Justice Court

The match report from Botafogo's 3-2 victory over Flamengo this Sunday, written by Marcelo de Souza Pinto, could complicate the life of Botafogo's defensive midfielder Jônatas. According to the referee, the player was sent off after complaining about receiving a yellow card. "He's messing around. He got what he wanted," Jônatas told the referee (watch the video).

The red-and-black team didn't receive its first warning for pushing Botafogo's Jorge Henrique, but for provoking an opponent. In this case, defender André Luis, who received a yellow card after the shoving ended.

Marcelo de Souza Pinto also mentioned Obina's expulsion for using excessive force in a tackle from behind on the black and white Lucio Flavio.

In an interview with GLOBOESPORTE.COM, Rio de Janeiro Sports Court prosecutor André Luís Valentim assured that he will review the footage and may punish Toró, Jônatas, and Jorge Henrique. Valentim has already requested the tapes of the controversial plays and stated that he will make a statement on Tuesday.

Vasco fan Chico Anysio takes his grandson to Fla

Comedian asks for help from the red-black club and jokes with coach Joel Santana in Gávea

Chico Anysio jokes with Joel Santana during Flamengo training

Flamengo received a distinguished visitor during training on Monday, the first since their 3-2 loss to Botafogo. Comedian Chico Anysio was at Gávea with his grandson Zanetti, who was brought to try out for the club's youth academy.

A self-confessed Vasco fan, Chico joked about trying to get his own grandson to try out for Vasco's biggest rival.

"I've come to bring a weapon to the enemy. I brought my grandson Zanetti, who plays a lot at his school. I'll talk to Isaías (Flamengo's supervisor) to see if he can give it a try."

Coach Joel Santana was a good host and spent a few minutes chatting with Chico Anysio. The comedian even waved both hands at Joel, as if to say his team was nervous on the field.

Joel puts Renato Augusto among the starters

Supporter participates in collective and must face Nacional this Wednesday, at Maracanã

Eduardo Peixoto

Renato Augusto at Flamengo training

The Flamengo players who faced Botafogo on Sunday had a light workout this Monday at Gávea. Except for Renato Augusto. The midfielder was "picked" by coach Joel Santana for the first team's training session against a mixed squad of reserves and juniors. The training session, in preparation for Wednesday's Copa Libertadores match against Nacional, didn't go well, as the team lost 3-0, with goals from Colace, Paulo Sérgio, and Pedro Beda.

Renato came in for Toró, who is suspended, and played supporting forwards Diego Tardelli and Souza.

Another certain absence will be Leo Moura. The right-back was sent off in Montevideo and will be replaced by Luizinho. Joel Santana considered improvising Cristian in the role, but decided against it and gave Leo's backup another chance.

Flamengo should enter the field with the following formation: Bruno; Luizinho, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto; Diego Tardelli and Souza.

Joel is still looking for the guard dog

Gavilán and Jaílton are in decline at Gávea. Rômulo's return is the hope.

Eduardo Peixoto

Rômulo is in the final stages of recovery and could return to the team

When Flamengo formed its 2008 squad, much was made of the excessive number of defensive midfielders on the roster. Almost three months into the year, the defensive protection role remains unfilled. Jaílton started the season as a starter but failed to impress and was dropped to the bench. Signed to be the team's number 8, Gavilán has had inconsistent performances and was booed by the fans in the match against Botafogo.

Cristian is currently playing as a makeshift starter. Joel Santana's solution could be Rômulo. The midfielder is recovering from knee surgery in October and is in the final stages of recovery.

"I wanted to see if I could play in the Rio Cup. I'm in good physical shape, but I still need some time playing football. I need three or four more training sessions," he declares.

Rômulo was a starter for much of Flamengo's recovery in the last Brazilian Championship. Having emerged through the club's youth ranks, the player has an explanation for his easy adaptation to Joel's system.

"The other midfielders have a different style than me. I'm more of a defender. I can close in there as a third defender. I played this way in the youth academy, and that's why it made my adaptation easier. I won everything in the youth academy playing this way," he says.

THROW

Summary of Fla x Bota does not indicate aggression

According to the judge, Jônatas was sent off for complaining and not for headbutting.

Jônatas headbutts Jorge Henrique. But that's not why he got sent off...

LANCEPRESS!

The report by referee Marcelo de Souza Pinto, who officiated Flamengo vs. Botafogo last Sunday, did not indicate any aggression by any player during the match.

Therefore, any punishment in this regard will only occur if the prosecutor's office of the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court of Justice (TJD-RJ) files a complaint based on images of the game.

Of the players sent off in the classic, won by Botafogo 3-2, the most complicated situation is that of the red-black midfielder Jônatas.

After Egídio fouled Jorge Henrique, he rushed to get an explanation from the Botafogo player, which sparked a scuffle. In the melee, he headbutted Jorge Henrique, but the referee only penalized him for arguing with André Luiz.

- I sent off Jônatas for, after receiving the yellow card, deliberately continuing to complain about the refereeing. (...) Jônatas, after the warning, continued complaining in the following terms: "You're messing around. You got what you wanted" - wrote Marcelo Souza in the report.

Obina, sent off after a tackle from behind on Lúcio Flávio on the sidelines, had his play reported as "using excessive force on the opponent".

Marcelo de Souza Pinto didn't include anything in the match report about the confusion that occurred after Flamengo's second goal of the match. The Flamengo players rushed to the net to retrieve the ball, but goalkeeper Castillo held it, causing a commotion.

Renato Augusto trains among the starters

Supporter should start playing on Wednesday against Nacional

Renato Augusto is getting back into shape and should play (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)

LANCEPRESS!

After playing his first match since the start of the operation on the right side of his face against Botafogo, midfielder Renato Augusto began training this Monday at Gávea among the starters and should be selected for Wednesday's match against Nacional, in the fourth round of Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores.

Renato Augusto is expected to replace Toró, who is suspended due to a red card he received in Uruguay against Nacional. Leonardo Moura is also unavailable due to his red card in Montevideo. Luizinho will replace him at right back.

Joel started the collective among the starters and a mix of reserves and juniors with Bruno, Luizinho, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto; Diego Tardelli and Souza.

In the second half of training, Joel changed the lineup to test a potential scenario. Maxi, Marcinho, and Obina replaced Kleberson, Renato Augusto, and Diego Tardelli.

Prosecutor will analyze the classic video

Focus should be on Obina, sent off after a violent tackle

Toró may be indicted by prosecutor André Luis Valentim (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)

LANCEPRESS!

After causing another widespread chaos at the Maracanã, some Flamengo players are expected to be given lead roles in the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court of Justice.

The names of Jônatas, Obina, and Toró are expected to be included in referee Marcelo de Souza Pinto's match report. The three are in the crosshairs of Attorney General André Luis Valentim, who stated that he will analyze the tapes of the classic between Botafogo and Flamengo.

"I haven't received the match report yet. When it arrives, the game tape should be delivered as well. I'll analyze it and see which players will be indicted," he stated.

However, one player in particular should have the attention of the TJD attorney general: striker Obina.

"The only play I saw at the stadium was Obina's. I'll analyze the scoresheet and the tape. If the referee files any kind of complaint there, I'll only have to file it under the article that was violated," he concluded.

Thiago Sales doesn't want to play further forward

Defender has stood out for his goals in recent games\ LANCEPRESS! Scorer of four goals in three matches in the Rio Cup, Flamengo defender Thiago Sales prefers to focus on defense, an area in which he excels and has also demonstrated quality.\

His notorious vocation for scoring goals doesn't impress him and won't make him change his position:

"I'm not going to change, no. My position is center-back. I'm having some luck, but first, I try to play well at the back and then try up front," explained Thiago Sales.

Fla x Botafogo judge considers it went well

Marcelo de Souza Pinto criticizes the attitudes of Castillo and Toró

LANCEPRESS!\ Despite being responsible for the first Botafogo and Flamengo match after the Guanabara Cup final and the fact that the match was surrounded by controversy, referee Marcelo de Souza Pinto believes he performed well. He explained that referees can give interviews, but prefer to keep to themselves.\

"We're not unable to do so, but sometimes it's better to remain silent. Some people don't give interviews because they know the questions they'll be asked. Then it's better to say there's a request not to answer," he told Rádio Oi FM.

Without wanting to get too much into the controversial moments, Marcelo de Souza Pinto commented on two of them, making subtle criticisms of Castillo and Toró.

"Castillo is a good professional, but he could be stigmatized. He has no right to catch the ball and delay it; that's the ball of the game," he said, also explaining Toró's play.

"Túlio was going to return the ball, but Toró went out to play. Then came the foul, then the penalty, and the goal. The players came out angry, but I can't do anything about it; he was the one who didn't play fairly. I spoke to Toró, who realized he was wrong and apologized later."

Nacional arrives anticipating a climate of revenge

For Morales, the rivalry is intensified by what happened in Uruguay

Morales is the hope of goals for Nacional-URU (Credit: Disclosure)

Leonardo Pereira RIO DE JANEIRO

Uruguay's Nacional delegation just landed at Rio de Janeiro's Galeão International Airport after an hour's delay. The team faces Flamengo this Wednesday at Maracanã Stadium, aiming to maintain its lead in Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores.

And, after the controversial match on February 19th, played in Montevideo and won by the home team 3-0, in which midfielder Toró was sent off after a dispute with a ball boy - Leonardo Moura also received a red card in the second half -, the Uruguayans expect a sense of revenge from the red-black athletes.

"That game left a bad impression, because of everything that happened, and I think there's already a sense of rivalry between the two teams. They should come with a spirit of revenge, and I expect a tough match. Nacional can't fall behind, but they have to know how to hold off Flamengo," said forward Richard Morales, who scored two goals in the first leg.

The Uruguayan club's players will head to a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, west of Rio de Janeiro. At 19 p.m., the squad will train at Laranjeiras, Fluminense's home stadium. On Tuesday, the group will tour the Maracanã pitch at 20 p.m.

Last Saturday, in the fifth round of the Clausura Tournament, Nacional lost 2-1 to Miramar Misiones, ending their unbeaten streak in the competition. The team sits second in the table with 12 points, one behind River Plate and two ahead of Peñarol and Liverpool.