The Globe
Joel accused of inciting violence
Reported by STJD attorney general, Fla coach could face long suspension
Photo caption: JOEL SANTANA: as soon as he took over at Fla, the coach is going through a difficult time at the club
Márcio Tavares
A double knockout in his return. Defeated 3-0 by Santos in his fourth stint as Flamengo coach, coach Joel Santana was still on the ropes trying to recover from the beating he suffered when, on Sunday night, he was struck in the jaw by another powerful blow: accused of inciting violence on the field, Joel was indicted under Article 279 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice by Paulo Schmitt, Attorney General of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). The coach could be suspended for one to two years.
About six meters away from Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, and with the fourth referee at his side, Joel was caught by one of Rede Globo's microphones and cameras ranting on the edge of the Vila Belmiro pitch:
- If you're going to clown around, beat him up. If you're going to clown around like that, really beat him up.
Watching the scene at night on TV in Curitiba, the STJD attorney general activated the scheme to indict the red-black coach:
"I've already requested the release of the footage. We'll be able to file a complaint by Wednesday at the latest. Today, we have image rights, arena rights, and broadcast rights—all of which are sources of revenue for clubs and players. But we also have the right to demand ethical behavior from our players on the field. The images and audio captured on TV speak for themselves. He couldn't have publicly incited violence. What if one of his players had stepped into an opponent's knee?
Despite Schmitt's compelling arguments, Flamengo's defense strategy is quite simple: "Joel didn't incite violence. It was a way to try to motivate the players. Even though he said that, no Flamengo player resorted to violence. Our team wasn't even given a yellow card," said Michel Assef Filho, Flamengo's vice president of legal affairs.
In Curitiba, where Flamengo traveled yesterday morning for the match against Atlético-PR tomorrow night, before being prohibited by the board from speaking about the controversy, Joel Santana defended himself.
"What I said was to get close. At no point did I say to be violent. I'm not crazy enough to tell someone to kick a fellow professional. Unfortunately, it happened. It was a misplaced statement," said Joel Santana.
Souza is suspended for 5 games by the STJD
Despite the threat to the coach, the Flamengo lawyer is optimistic because the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) has been lenient with those accused. After acquitting Dodô of the doping charge, last night it suspended Souza for five games for the assault on Tcheco. The Grêmio player will be charged by the STJD for admitting he faked the attack. Souza was punished with two games under Article 258 (off-field assault) and three under Article 254 (expulsion). Having already served one match, Souza will be able to return to the team on the 23rd, against Juventude, at Maracanã, for the second leg of the Brazilian Championship.
- I'm relieved, it was a victory - said Souza, leaving the STJD room in a hurry.
While grappling with legal issues, Joel Santana is trying to rebuild the team in Curitiba and restore his players' morale. Since Sunday, he's been hinting at changes that will need to be made soon, but he wouldn't reveal exactly where.
"There are things we can't wait four or five rounds to resolve. Some change has to be made soon. I'll think about what to do," Joel said in Curitiba.
In midfield, Jaílton is likely to be benched, and Cristian, due to contractual reasons with Atlético-PR, will not be able to face his former club. The position Joel is coaching today, and has a good chance of remaining in tomorrow, will feature Paulinho, Ibson, Roger, and Renato Augusto. Up front, with Renato Augusto back in his proper position, Obina and Paulo Sérgio will play.
The rest of the team won't change because Joel doesn't want to make too many changes to the defense, so it maintains a minimum of cohesion. That's until Fábio Luciano can be selected. The fitness coaches predict he'll be available for Joel on Thursday. The player has been training full-time since Saturday and is in reasonable physical shape, but he hasn't played with the ball in a while and is lacking rhythm.
He who wounds with iron... Fla tastes the poison he has already used
From Geninho to Joel, identical phrases to explain the language of football
Photo caption: GENINHO, THEN Vasco's coach, was almost crucified when he said: 'He stood still, kick his ankle...'
When Geninho ordered them to "kick his ankle" days before the 2004 State Championship final, Flamengo made a fuss, protested, and used every possible threat to protect Felipe, allegedly the target indicated by Vasco's coach. Yesterday, given the repercussions of coach Joel Santana's statement at Vila Belmiro—"If you're clowning around, you'll get beaten up"—recorded by Rede Globo, with the coach ordering his players to use violence to prevent what he considered Santos' demoralizing ball handling, the version is different. Interestingly, the same statement Geninho used to defend himself was used by Michel Assef Filho, Flamengo's lawyer.
- He didn't want to order a beating. He just wanted to get the players involved and motivate them.
Even the calm Candinho used verbs like catch and kill
Coaches who stop plays with fouls, regardless of whether they're practicing anti-play, are multiplying in world football. Vanderlei Luxemburgo himself, after yesterday's game, exempted Joel Santana.
- I also tell my players to come along, with virility - said Vanderlei.
Professionals of recognized prestige, even those with experience in national teams and World Cups, have not escaped similar blunders in front of the microphones. Strong-willed coaches like Luiz Felipe Scolari and Leão were caught or denounced by their own players. Felipão, for example, when he was managing Palmeiras, reprimanded his players during a pre-match talk, stating that no one had the courage to "spit on Edílson." Leão was a little more subtle, but he was still criticized by Donizete. Known for his loose tongue, the Panther said in 1999.
- Leão even made bets to see if we would go easy on certain players.
Similar instructions from explosive coaches are indeed common. But when the intimidating phrases come from calm figures like Candinho, they cause astonishment. It was a string of aggressive words Candinho unleashed at Granja Comary, when he was replacing Vanderlei in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers (he coached the national team only once, against Venezuela), that showed that not all that glitters is gold. "Get it, kill it..." he yelled during a training match. Asked if the national team had transformed the personality of a calm coach like him, Candinho said: "What's this, guys? Get it, kill it is stopping the play. And it's not always with violence..."
Fernando Calazans
Technicians in the spotlight
This isn't Joel Santana. That is to say, this isn't the Joel Santana I know. Or this isn't the Joel Santana I knew (and don't know anymore). The topic Joel has now been included in, after a long and clean career—this topic, yes, I know very well. It's the topic of violence in football. Or the topic of coaches' involvement in the violence we see on the field.
Both themes are recurring here in this little corner.
Because, historically, Brazilian football has never been as violent as it has been in recent years. There have always been disloyal players who used kicking as their weapon, but they were exceptions and, therefore, well-known to everyone involved in football. Today, they are no longer exceptions—they are the rule in matches across the country. What's more serious is that this is a progressive violence, and we don't know how far it will go.
Why has the Brazilian way of playing soccer changed? Why has their behavior, their soul, their perception of football, of victory, and defeat changed?
Joel Santana's case isn't the first time coaches have ordered fouls—far from it. There are famous examples, documented by radio and television. We've already seen Geninho ordering people to hit their ankles, as was repeatedly reported on TV Globo, the Geninho whose teams are consistently among the top in fouls.
We even had Felipão ordering Sávio to be hit—he, Felipão, who, with his internationally recognized competence and prestige, probably shouldn't even need it. Not to mention the equally famous question to his players—"Why didn't you spit on him (Edílson)?"—also recorded on television.
But the number of coaches caught ordering hits isn't large. What we need to calculate is this: if one or another coach has been caught yelling at the sidelines during games, ordering a hit, just imagine what they can—and should—order in the refuge of their locker rooms, whispering instructions in your ear, on the verge of defeat, in the heat of the fray. If, in rare instances, these instructions are given publicly, in front of TV cameras, imagine the private instructions, behind closed doors, behind closed doors.
And we can get an idea of why a football that was once clean, technical, well-played, admired the world over, has now become a festival of fouls, violent tackles, grappling, elbowing, sliding tackles, games interrupted constantly by more than 60 fouls, in the same number of minutes of open play. In other words: one foul, one interruption every minute. This is the picture of our domestic games. Brazilian Championship games. We need to reflect on this.
Joel Santana is desolate, remorseful, and perplexed. We spoke on the phone. He says that, in the heat of the moment, he uttered words that didn't quite match his intended meaning. What can I do? Unfortunately, Joel's words rang clear. He reminds me that his teams were never violent, never committed excessive fouls, never ruined a game—which is absolutely true.
A champion with all of Rio's major clubs, Joel has never even been suggested that his teams used any illicit means. This needs to be taken into consideration. Perhaps those were truly different times, when you didn't have to fight to become a soccer champion.
Joel can't pay for all the teammates he's already had beaten. More important than that is curbing this harmful behavior from coaches from now on.
Renato Mauricio Prado
And Flamengo, huh? With that dreadful defensive four, formed by the two center-backs (whoever they are) and the defensive midfielders Jaílton and Cristian, it's going to be very difficult to avoid the suffering of the huge Flamengo fans until the final rounds.
This group is so bad that they can't even "beat them up" (as coach Joel Santana recommended)...
Speaking of Joel's "recommendations", there's no denying that he made a big mistake - he deserves, at the very least, a warning, or a light punishment from the STJD.
Take it easy because, it's worth remembering, this practice (reprehensible, I repeat!) is old and to this day nothing has been done to combat it.
"Remember", for example, Geninho, in two episodes (the "catch, catch, catch", when he was managing Corinthians, in the Libertadores, and the "hit him in the ankle", when he was managing Vasco, in training for the Carioca final.
The now much-idolized Luiz Felipe Scolari was also caught ordering someone to "spit on the little guy" (in this case, Edílson).
And even the very polite Carlos Alberto Parreira revealed himself, uttering some of the most outrageous swear words against critics, after a goal by Ronaldo, in the last World Cup in Germany.
In short: it's high time coaches realized they are part of a big (and million-dollar) show, which enters everyone's homes on TV, and that, for that very reason, they need to control themselves and not set bad examples like these.
Joel's punishment may be a good sign that such actions will be deterred. It just doesn't seem fair to me that they treat him like a scapegoat, sentencing him to an excessive suspension, between one and two years, as is already being discussed.
Sports Journal
Fábio Luciano wants to be captain of Fla
Fábio Luciano arrived at Flamengo with the mission of being the sheriff of the red-and-black defense, which in 13 games, conceded 25 goals. An average of almost two goals per game. The experienced player says he enjoys talking on the field and makes no secret of his desire to be the team captain.
"I'll always be willing to help. I enjoy communicating with the players during the match. I like to talk and also listen, to know what's going on. I'll try to pass on my experience to the younger players so they feel comfortable playing alongside me," the defender explained to Rádio Tupi.
Despite wanting to play for Flamengo, Fábio Luciano will have to wait until next Saturday's game against Náutico at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã.
STJD, Flamengo's biggest rival
Souza is suspended for five games and Joel Santana could face a ban of up to two years.
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Nina Lima
Striker Souza tries to explain himself, but fails to persuade the STJD auditors, who suspend him for five rounds in the Brazilian Championship.
Striker Souza was punished last night by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) and will be suspended for four games. Auditors at the first disciplinary meeting, chaired by Wanderley Rebello, handed down the sentence by a majority vote, including the player under articles 254 (committing violent play) and 258 (acting contrary to moral and sporting discipline). Despite the penalty, the striker celebrated the ruling, as he could have been suspended for up to 720 days.
Another Flamengo player who could be out is coach Joel Santana, who is expected to face charges after being caught ordering his players to attack Santos players during their 3-0 loss in the last round. Superior Court of Justice (STJD) Attorney General Paulo Schmitt said he will analyze footage of the match to indict the coach under Article 279 (publicly inciting the commission of an infraction).
"I believe this case is very common and even simple to resolve. What he said was actually a code, and the athletes understood what he meant. Joel never said those words to incite violence. Proof of this is that the players didn't do it," said attorney Michel Assef Filho.
Striker Souza had something to celebrate. Prosecutors charged him with Article 253 (physical assault against the referee, his assistants, or any other participant in a sporting event), which carries a suspension of 120 to 540 days, and Article 254, which carries a penalty of two to six matches. However, the club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, managed to avoid a seemingly certain defeat by securing a lesser punishment. He persuaded the auditors to change the charges from Article 253 to Article 258 (acting contrary to moral and sporting discipline).
"Our defense was all-or-nothing, and we hoped to settle for a compromise. Thank God we did," said the club's lawyer. Souza will miss the matches against Atlético Paranaense, Náutico, Fluminense, and Palmeiras.
Ibson's performance excites the red-black coach
The midfielder's debut in the Brazilian Championship wearing a Flamengo jersey definitely didn't go as planned. Having been out of action for three months, since the end of the Portuguese Championship, he showed he still needs to regain his match fitness. For coach Joel Santana, however, this won't be a problem. According to him, Ibson will soon return to his best form.
"Since it was his first match, I think Ibson performed well. He's just getting back into the game, and everyone at the club knows that, little by little, he'll once again show the high-quality football that made him famous," he said.
Joel also took the opportunity to comment that his team is still being formed and, therefore, it will still take a while for the group to start showing good football.
"Last week, we only had time for two tactical training sessions, and the team felt it. Roger, for example, hadn't started a match in a long time. The same goes for Ibson himself. Little by little, I'm finding the best position to play them. Renato Augusto also fits into Flamengo's new midfield," explained the manager.
In addition to these two players, defensive midfielder Cristian also recently arrived at the club. He'll have to prove to the coach that he's capable of integrating this new red-and-black squad. The best test will be teamwork, which may take a while.
33-year fast against Atlético-PR in Curitiba
After facing Santos and extending their winless streak at Vila Belmiro, which has lasted more than 31 years, Flamengo will face another challenge tomorrow. Flamengo hasn't defeated Atlético-PR in Curitiba, in the Brasileiros, since April 21, 1974, when they won 2-1 at the Belfort Duarte Stadium, which no longer exists.
In total, Flamengo have gone 12 games without a win against their opponent in the capital of Paraná, with nine losses and three draws. The match, incidentally, is part of the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo has yet to make up for the four-match deficit to the other teams. These clashes, all at Maracanã, will be crucial for moving up the table.
The marathon to ensure Flamengo has the same number of matches played as other teams begins with the derby against Fluminense on August 16th. A week later, there will be a duel against Juventude. These two teams are close to Flamengo in the standings.
In September, Flamengo will face Cruzeiro (on the 12th) and on October 16th, they will face Vasco. These two teams are battling for a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores.
Atlético 1 x 2 Flamengo - 21/4/74
Atlético-PR: Altevir, Julio, Almeida, Geraldo and Ladinho; Caio and Didi Duarte; Nilton, Didi Pedalada (Nilson), Taquito (Sérgio Galocha) and Sicupira\ Coach: Valdemar Carabina.\ Flamengo: Cantarelli, Aloísio (Rondinelli), Jaime, Luiz Carlos and Rodrigues Neto; Geraldo and Liminha; Arílson, Dario Maravilha (Doval), Zico and Paulinho.\ Coach: Joubert.\
Souza and Fla's lawyer happy with STJD's decision
Despite the punishment following the STJD trial, Souza expressed satisfaction with the court's decision. The Flamengo forward was punished for five games, but will have to sit out four rounds as he served the first game of his suspension against América-RN.
"Of course, I would have preferred to be acquitted, but I'm satisfied. I'm very grateful to the defense of Michel Assef Filho, the club's lawyer. It was a victory for me. Now I want to continue my work," the player celebrates.
Michel Assef Filho, Rubro-negro's lawyer, was also happy with the decision.
"We based our defense on Tcheco's post-match interview and were fortunate. It was a true victory, and goalkeeper Diego's testimony was crucial. It was one of the most controversial cases because it was so controversial. So much so that each auditor voted differently," the lawyer explains.
Souza is sentenced to a five-game suspension
Player was sent off for assaulting Grêmio midfielder Tcheco
Nina Lima/JS
Souza left the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) trial satisfied. The striker will be out for four more games.
Flamengo striker Souza was suspended for five games on Monday by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) following his red card in the match against Grêmio, after he elbowed Tcheco. As he left the field, the striker also attacked the Grêmio midfielder.
The trial lasted just over an hour and was attended by the striker and goalkeeper Diego, who served as a witness. Despite the club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, hoping for an acquittal, the most he managed was a lenient sentence.
The rapporteur for the case, Rodrigo Castilho Ribeiro, voted for the longest penalty, 14 games, including five for the expulsion and another for the assault off the field. The first auditor, Flávio Zveiter, voted for a five-game penalty, and the second, Henrique Dominica, for eight. The third, José Diniz, was the most lenient, recommending only two games for the striker, while the section president, Wanderley Rebello de Oliveira Filho, chose five games.
Souza was included under Article 254 for the expulsion and was suspended for three games. For the assault off the field, he was included under Article 258 and was suspended for two games. Since one game has already been automatically served, the current top scorer in the Brazilian Championship will be sidelined for four more games.
Joel Santana eager for Fábio Luciano's debut at Fla
The fragility of Flamengo's defense isn't a new topic, but the last match against Santos served to intensify the criticism. Santos had no trouble defeating Flamengo 3-0 at Vila Belmiro. Aware of the red-and-black team's shortcomings, coach Joel Santana says he's eager to field Fábio Luciano, the team's new center-back.
“He is an experienced athlete and will undoubtedly be very important for the team from now on,” says the Flamengo coach.
Joel's complaints, however, were not restricted to Flamengo's defense.
"Santos' goals were scored because of our mistakes. But it wasn't just our defense, no; the attack also made a lot of mistakes," the manager emphasizes.
Luxemburgo defends Flamengo coach
Flamengo's debut against Santos last Sunday was marked by controversial coaching instructions. Up front, the São Paulo club was playing the ball and valuing possession, prompting the Flamengo manager to instruct his players to "beat up" the Santos team.
However, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Peixe's coach, defended his colleague. According to the former Brazilian national team coach, this type of leadership is part of football.
"That's normal. It's part of football. I also ask my players to come in strong in the tackles," says Luxemburgo.\ In an interview with TV Gazeta, Vanderlei stated that the order shouldn't be taken literally.\
"Joel told me to get involved, get close, but not to break or hurt my players. I would do the same, because my team started passing the ball sideways, underestimating the opponent, and without any objectivity, just to make the fans chant "olé." The best way to respect the opponent is to score more goals, score more goals, and play offensively, not to mess around with the ball," emphasizes Luxemburgo.
Experience serving Fla in basketball
Rubro-negro bets on an experienced team to try to win the state championship and the national championship
Rafael Oliveira
Wallace Teixeira
The red-black team for the 2007/8 season will be much more experienced than the previous one
Flamengo kicked off another season of men's basketball. Yesterday, the squad that will compete for a third state championship and an unprecedented national title was unveiled.
The new group includes only four players who played for the club last semester: point guard Fred, forward Colin, and centers Coloneze and Maicon. The new proposal at Gávea is to assemble a more experienced team, distinguished by its players who have played for championship-winning clubs.
"This team fits the club's new philosophy. We brought in players who have experience and have already played for the national team," said Paulo Chupeta, coach of the red-and-black team.
The new squad includes members from Uberlândia, a semifinalist in this year's National Championship, and Brasília, the reigning Brazilian champion. This includes point guard Duda, who played for the Brasília team in their victorious last National Championship campaign.
"This group has everything it needs to succeed. We just don't need to think about the future. We just need to start working, and then the results will certainly start to appear," said Duda, who played for Flamengo four years ago.
A respectable team
Chupeta, who actively participated in the casting process, was very proud of the final result.
"They are very talented players who come here to bring maturity to the team. Hélio (formerly of Uberlândia) had a sensational Brazilian championship this year. Wágner (formerly of Uberlândia) is a player in excellent physical condition. Fernando Mineiro (formerly of Saldanha da Gama) is one of the most technically gifted players I've ever met. In short, I have nothing but praise for all of them."
Starting today, the players will undergo a series of medical exams, and preseason begins on Monday. The club is still searching for a city to hold the first training sessions, but it appears the initial testing phase will take place in Gávea.
Longtime players welcome newcomers to Flamengo
It's common for long-time players to watch the arrival of newcomers with apprehension. But the Gávea veterans were different. Maicon, Fred, Coloneze, and Colin not only approved of the club's new signings but also made sure to put the group at ease.
"They (the newcomers) are excellent players and people. I already knew most of them from other clubs or from when we played against each other. As for the ones I didn't know yet, we fit in very easily," said Fred, one of the most excited last night.
Another player who expressed enthusiasm was Coloneze. The center believes the new acquisitions have strengthened the team for the State and National Championships.
"This squad, despite being younger, is much more experienced. I would even say it's technically superior to the last group that played for Flamengo. We have good players playing in every position. We couldn't have hoped for anything better. We're going to compete for every title."
Sergio Du Bocage
Santos had four shots on goal and made it 3-0. There's no reason to complain, for one reason only: Flamengo didn't even have a shot. Therefore, losing to Santos at Vila Belmiro isn't a tragedy, especially since Flamengo hasn't won there in over 30 years. The problem lies in the way the defeat occurred. It's even possible to take some factors into consideration, such as the new midfield, with two players out of rhythm, like Roger and Ibson. But what about the defenders, the defensive midfielders, the full-backs?
With all due good will, we'll remove Bruno, who prevented the fourth goal, Obina, who didn't receive a single ball in good condition, and Renato Augusto, who continues to be played out of position, from this bag. Otherwise, nothing but sadness. It's no wonder that the internet is already buzzing with a campaign for Flamengo to sign Olavo Novaes, Wagner Moura's character in the Globo soap opera. After getting Bebel (Camila Pitanga) out of the relegation zone, only he can keep Flamengo out of the relegation zone. How cruel!
O Dia
Judged by the STJD, Souza is suspended for five matches
Flamengo striker manages to escape 120-day ban
Rio - Flamengo striker Souza can consider himself a lucky player. After being sent off in the match against Grêmio, the center forward slapped supporter Tcheco on his way off the field. Tried this Monday by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), the player risked a 120-day suspension for being a repeat offender. However, Souza was tried and served a five-match suspension in the Brazilian Championship.
The fact that Tcheco claimed and confessed to pressuring referee Elvécio Zequetto to send off Souza weighed in favor of the red-and-black team. Furthermore, the Grêmio player said he took the opportunity to create a scene during the attack.
The athlete was cited in two articles. The two-match suspension was for Article 258 (off-field assault) and the other three for Article 254 (expulsion). As he has already served an automatic suspension due to his expulsion, Souza will miss only four matches for Flamengo.
Showing relief at the light sentence, Souza celebrated the result as if it were a goal. "I'm really feeling more relieved. I'm glad the defense favored me. It was a victory. I already wanted to be playing for Flamengo, but now I only have four games left to serve the suspension," commented Souza, who congratulated lawyer Michel Assef Filho "on his brilliant performance."
After shouting "beating", Joel Santana apologizes
Rio - After being caught on camera shouting at Flamengo players to "beat up" the Santos players who were playing the ball while the fans chanted "olé" during Sunday's match at Vila Belmiro in the Brazilian Championship, coach Joel Santana expressed regret and apologized.
"I'm surprised by how big this all got. It was a footballing act. I said something inappropriately, but I don't want to tarnish my career because of it. I apologize," the coach commented in an interview.
Santos was winning 3-0 against Flamengo when Joel Santana, irritated by the home team's exchange of lateral passes, asked his players to "hit" their rivals.
"If you're going to clown around, you'll get beaten up. You have to stop with this nonsense," the Flamengo coach yelled, caught on TV cameras.
"What I said was to get close. At no point did I say that to them to be violent. I will never order one of my players to kick or break another player's leg," Joel explained on Monday. The coach also commented on the possibility of being suspended by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) due to the statements that incited violence.
"They have the right to judge, and I have to defend myself," he commented, before once again lamenting the incident. "Unfortunately, it happened. Word got out, but I'm not crazy enough to tell someone to kick someone," he concluded.
Joel could be suspended for alleged incitement to violence
Rio - The attorney general of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), Paulo Schmidt, stated that Flamengo coach Joel Santana could be suspended if it is proven that he asked the red-black players to hit the Santos players during the 3-0 defeat, on Sunday, at Vila Belmiro, in a game valid for the Brazilian Championship.
"We will request footage of the match to see if any of the codes were violated. The suspension will be for one to two years," Schmidt said in an interview with SporTV.
Some TV cameras reportedly caught Joel speaking harshly to Flamengo fans on the sidelines at the end of the match. After the game, however, the coach denied having encouraged the violence.
"With the other team playing forward, we can lose up to six and it's no problem. But when it becomes mockery, it's a reprehensible attitude," the coach raged.
Joel Santana added that at the time the cameras caught him, he was simply asking for more defensive effort. Santos was already winning the game 3-0 and was passing the ball around in their own half, to the fans' chants of "olé."
Sports Gazette
Souza is punished for five matches by the STJD
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo striker Souza has been suspended for five games by the Brazilian Football Confederation's Sports Justice Court (STJD) for being sent off against Grêmio in a match on July 22. He received a red card for assaulting opposing midfielder Tcheco twice. First, with an elbow to the face. Then, off the field, he slapped his opponent in the face. The striker's situation was not easy, as he had been reported in two articles and had already been sent off in a match against Figueirense, where he also assaulted an opponent and received a three-game suspension. This time, his suspension could have ranged from 120 days to a year, which would have resulted in the termination of his contract with Flamengo.
However, following the defense made by the player's lawyer and the Rio de Janeiro club, Michel Assef, Souza was disqualified from Article 254, which provided for a longer punishment, and was tried under Articles 253 and 258. The two, together, would give a maximum penalty of 13 games.
Five STJD auditors voted and decided to suspend the athlete for five games. Since he has already served one, he will be able to return to the team for the match on the 23rd against Juventude at Maracanã.
The player couldn't hide his relief at the end of the trial. "The result was positive, after all, there was the possibility of a much longer suspension," said the red-and-black team's number nine, who arrived at the beginning of the year from Goiás, but so far has not replicated the form that led him to be the top scorer in the last Brasileirão.
After 'ordering a beating', Joel Santana could be punished by the STJD
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Joel Santana's comments at the end of the 3-0 match against Santos at Vila Belmiro this Sunday could result in the Flamengo coach being punished. He was caught on microphones placed on the sidelines asking his players to hit their opponents if there were any 'frills' in the final minutes of the game. "We will request footage of the match to see if any of the codes were violated. The suspension is for one to two years," said Paulo Schmidt, attorney general of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), in an interview with SporTV.
After the game, both Joel and Santos coach Wanderley Luxemburgo downplayed the incident. "When a team is playing better and winning, they have to run to score five or six goals and not just pass the ball around, making jokes. I don't like it when people get carried away. I just asked my team to mark them more," explained the Flamengo player.
"This happens during matches. What you can't do is ask to take shots, but you can get close and mark firmly. I ask for that too. This is a game thing," Luxemburgo said.
The game marked Joel's return as Flamengo's manager. With the loss, the Rio de Janeiro team remains second-to-last in the Brazilian Championship, with just 12 points.
Joel Santana defends himself and says he was misinterpreted
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After learning of the threat of punishment from the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) for his statements in the final minutes of the 3-0 loss to Santos at Vila Belmiro this Sunday, coach Joel Santana defended himself and claimed he was misinterpreted. Upon seeing the opposing players playing the ball to chants of "olé" from the Santos fans, the coach was caught on TV cameras urging his players to "beat them up." "I'm surprised by the extent to which one of my words became so serious. It was a football figure of speech. What I meant was for my team to get together, I didn't ask anyone to be violent," the coach defended himself in an interview with SporTV.
"What I said was to get close. At no point did I say that to them to be violent. I will never order one of my players to kick or break another player's leg," he added.
On Monday morning, Superior Court of Justice (STJD) Attorney General Paulo Schmidt said the agency will review the TV footage and, if incitement to violence is proven, the coach could face a suspension of one to two years. "It's their right to judge me, but I will have the right to defend myself," Joel concluded.
Flamengo's board remains on standby. Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, assured that the Rio de Janeiro club has not yet been notified of the matter. "The prosecutor's office can file a complaint, and then Flamengo will be summoned to defend Joel. So far, we haven't received anything. But if the prosecutor's office starts punishing anything that happens in football, it's going to get complicated. This isn't ballet or gymnastics."
Coach doesn't anticipate changes at Flamengo
Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Besides the concern about possible punishment in court, Flamengo coach Joel Santana also has another headache, as the team remains in a bad phase and is in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship. This Wednesday, the team faces Atlético Paranaense at Arena da Baixada, and the coach is expected to make changes to the team. Joel just doesn't say which players will be changed in his squad.
With no time to waste, the Flamengo delegation headed straight from Santos to Curitiba this Monday. The group won't return to Rio de Janeiro until next Thursday. The sacrifice, according to the players, is worth it to lift the Red-Blacks out of the bottom of the Brazilian league table.
"At this moment, we have to come together and focus solely on helping Flamengo. This is a time when we can't spare any effort or waste time criticizing each other. Only we can get Flamengo out of this situation," said midfielder Ibson, who made his Flamengo debut against Santos.
PeléNet
Flamengo striker Souza suspended for five games by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD)
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo striker Souza, tried this Monday in Rio de Janeiro by the First Disciplinary Committee of the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice), was punished with five games of suspension for the expulsion that occurred in the game against Grêmio, on July 22nd.
Striker Souza will miss five games due to the attack on Grêmio midfielder Tcheco
COURT THREATENS JOEL SANTANA
"This result was a victory for me. Of course, I wanted to be acquitted and be back as soon as possible, but since there was a possibility of a greater punishment, the result was positive," the player declared after the sentence was announced. This means he will be eligible to return to the team for the match between Flamengo and Juventude on August 23 at Maracanã.
Souza was initially charged under two articles of the CBJD (Brazilian Code of Sports Justice): 253, which deals with the practice of physical aggression against the referee, assistants or any other participant in the sporting event, providing for a suspension of 120 to 540 days, and 254, related to the practice of violent play, with a penalty of two to six games offside.
However, the reporting auditor of the case, Rodrigo Castilho Ribeiro, after hearing the defense's arguments, the testimony of Souza and that of the only witness, goalkeeper Diego, also from Flamengo, downgraded the first accusation to article 258, which deals with an attitude contrary to discipline and sporting morals, providing for suspension of one to ten matches.
The five voters disagreed on the same punishment. Therefore, after a meeting to discuss the penalties applied by each of the auditors, they supported changing the article under which the athlete was charged (from 253 to 258), giving him a two-game suspension. However, the inclusion in 254 resulted in a three-game suspension. The player had already missed one match due to his expulsion against Grêmio.
"The evidence we presented [Tcheco said, in an interview after the match, that he "forced" his opponent's expulsion] and the statements, both Souza's and Diego's, were fundamental," analyzed, after the trial, the athlete's defense lawyer, Michel Assef Filho.
The Flamengo player had already been reported to court for assault in June. On the 10th of that month, the striker was ejected from the match between his team and Figueirense after kicking an opposing player. At trial, the charge was downgraded to hostility (Article 255), and he received a two-game suspension.
Joel Santana defends himself and says he doesn't ask the team to hit
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Upon learning that he could be indicted by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for his behavior on the sidelines at the end of the game between Santos and Flamengo, last Sunday, coach Joel Santana tried to defend himself.
Already in Curitiba, where the team faces Atlético-PR this Wednesday, the coach stated that, despite having shouted at his team to "beat up" the Santos players, he was misinterpreted.
At the end of the match against Santos, in which Flamengo was defeated 3-0, Joel became irritated with the opposing team's passing and was caught on camera inciting his players.
"I'm surprised by the extent to which one word I said took on. It was a footballing figure of speech. What I meant was for my team to come together, I didn't ask anyone to be violent," Joel Santana told Sportv.
The coach clung to his track record, saying his teams aren't violent and don't get many cards. This past Sunday, only Roger was cautioned, and no one was punished after Joel's shouting.
"There was no aggression. I'm not going to order my players to kick anyone, so no one got a card," the commander defended himself, accepting the fact of a possible trial: "It's my right to judge myself, but I will have the right to defend myself."
Globo Sport
Paulinho has one foot out of Gávea
In reserve, midfielder will receive an offer from Maccabi Haifa this week
Eduardo Peixoto
Paulinho is leaving Gávea
If Paulinho was the solution to Flamengo's defensive problems, forget it. The midfielder is indeed headed to Israel. Speculation about his transfer to Maccabi Haifa has been swirling for almost a month, but finally, an official offer will arrive in the coming days.
The player is keen to move abroad. He had a stint playing football in Qatar and, financially, enjoyed it. Now a reserve for the Red-Blacks, Paulinho finds a move to Maccabi quite convenient.
The proposal has not yet reached the player, but, like the initial survey, it is equivalent to double the salary he earns at Gávea.
In recent matches, Paulinho was overlooked by Jaílton in Flamengo's starting lineup.
Lawyer does not believe in punishment for Joel
Michel Assef Filho says that the coach's language with the athletes is common in the field
Marcio Iannacca
Shortly after compromising striker Souza's suspension, which could have been punished with 720 days and only served five games, lawyer Michel Assef Filho commented on the case of coach Joel Santana. The coach is expected to be indicted by the Superior Court of Sports Justice for allegedly inciting violence on the sidelines during the match between Flamengo and Santos last Sunday at Vila Belmiro (watch the video below).
For the lawyer, coaches often use terms on the sidelines that are understood by the players.
"A coach has his own language off the field. He and the players understand each other. Joel wasn't inciting violence. After his remarks on the sidelines, the Flamengo team didn't attack the Santos players. He could even be called in, but we'll show here that his intention wasn't to provoke violence," says Michel Assef Filho.
Michel Assef Filho (left) talks to Souza during the STJD trial
The lawyer believes that the fact that other coaches have come to Joel's defense will mitigate the situation. According to him, if Joel Santana is tried, other coaches will be called to testify in the red-and-black manager's defense.
"I'll call Vanderlei (Luxemburgo) and other coaches here. It's a common thing in football," Assef analyzes.
Souza: 'It was a victory'
Striker breathes a sigh of relief after hearing the result of the STJD trial
Marcio Iannacca
GLOBOESPORTE.COM
Souza likes the final result at the STJD
Striker Souza breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the outcome of the trial held this Monday by the First Disciplinary Committee of the Superior Court of Sports Justice. The player, who could have been punished for up to 720 days, was suspended for five games, having already served one. As a result, he will miss only four matches for Flamengo.
More relaxed, Souza congratulated lawyer Michel Assef Filho and spoke about his suspension.
"I feel more relieved. I'm glad the defense favored me. It was a victory. I already wanted to be playing for Flamengo, but I only have four games left on my suspension," says Souza.
The player preferred not to comment on the request from the First Disciplinary Committee of the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) to indict Grêmio midfielder Tcheco for simulating the play with the Flamengo's number 9 and for assaulting Souza. The Flamengo forward believes the courts will decide the case against the Grêmio player.
- I prefer not to talk about it - he says.
Botafogo fans absolve Joel Santana
Alvinegro coach and player do not believe the coach is encouraging violence
Gustavo Rotstein From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro, get in touch
Joel Santana, under investigation by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), accused of inciting violence during the match against Santos last Sunday, found a defense in Botafogo. According to members of the club, the Flamengo coach did not act with malicious intent.
"I didn't watch the game, but anyone who's played soccer knows there's a code of ethics on the field to prevent mocking the opponent once the game is over. Since he felt the Santos team had reached the limit of contempt, he said it as a way to motivate the team and intimidate the opponent," analyzes coach Cuca.
For Túlio, Joel Santana's words were not intended to encourage violence among Flamengo players.
- He's not the first to say something like that. I see it as natural; he was unlucky because the camera caught it. It was an explosive moment - he says
Reserves have work to do after defeat
Flamengo's delegation is already in Curitiba, where they will face Atlético-PR on Wednesday
Flamengo is already in Curitiba, where they will face Atlético Paranaense next Wednesday at 21:45 p.m. at the Arena da Baixada. In the first activity in the capital of Paraná, only the reserves (Marcelo Lomba, Egídio, Rodrigo Arroz, Paulinho, Léo Lima, Maxi Bianccuchi, Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio) and goalkeeper Bruno participated in the physical training at the Boqueirão Olympic Village.
The other players, who started in the 3-0 defeat to Santos, remained at the hotel doing muscle relaxation.
Luxa: 'I'll also have you come along'
Santos coach downplays controversy over Joel Santana's order to Flamengo fans
Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo typically condemns violence in football and becomes outraged when one of his players is attacked. However, the club's coach didn't want to fuel the controversy surrounding his colleague Joel Santana's request to Flamengo players last Sunday at Vila Belmiro. The Flamengo coach was caught on camera ordering the Santos players to "beat up." Santos won 3-0. Luxa believes this type of order is normal, and when a coach uses the word "beat up," it doesn't mean he's advocating violence.
"That's normal. It's part of football. I also ask my players to come in strong in the tackles," he says.
Luxemburgo, however, guarantees that he never ordered one of his players to attack an opponent.
- I tell people to play hard, but I never ask them to break their opponent - he says.
In a roundtable program on "TV Gazeta", on Sunday night, the Santos coach once again defended Joel Santana's stance:
"Joel told me to get involved, get close, but not to break or hurt my players. I would do the same thing he did, because my team started passing the ball sideways, underestimating the opponent, and without any objectivity, just to make the fans shout "olé." The best way to respect your opponent is to score more goals, score more goals, and play offensively. And don't mess around with the ball.
STJD threatens to punish Joel for ordering a beating
Attorney General says Flamengo coach could face a suspension of up to two years
The order to beat Santos players could cost Flamengo coach Joel Santana dearly. In an interview with "SporTV News" on Sunday night, Paulo Schmidt, the attorney general of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), said the coach could face a suspension of up to two years (watch the video below).
During the match, which Peixe won 3-0, Joel was caught ordering the Rio de Janeiro team to hit the opposing players. According to Schmidt, the coach will be held accountable for "publicly inciting the commission of an infraction," as stated in Article 279 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice. The penalty is a one- to two-year suspension.
- We will request the images of the game, containing these orders to the athletes to commit violence, and file an immediate complaint, next week, for violation of article 279 - says the prosecutor.
In an interview with the program "Redação SporTV", on Monday morning, Joel defended himself and expressed surprise at the possibility of being tried in the STJD:
"It was a misplaced word, a figure of speech. I didn't mean to tell anyone on my team to be violent, so much so that no player kicked or received a card," he says.
The coach also stated that he is not afraid of being marked because of the flag.
"I don't deny that I said it, but it was inappropriate. Anyone who plays football knows that this happens. I'm not going to tarnish my career because of it."
The Superior Court of Justice (STJD) has frequently used television footage to punish professional soccer players. In 2005, for example, midfielder Felipe received a two-month suspension for attacking Campinense midfielder Marcos Mendes during a Fluminense Copa do Brasil match. Referee Rodrigo Cintra didn't report the punch in the match report, but the player was ultimately punished because of the video of the match.
Luxembourg support
The Santos coach defended his colleague's stance. In the post-match press conference (watch the video below), Vanderlei Luxemburgo said he also tells his players to "get along." On the "TV Gazeta" roundtable program, Luxa also criticized his players' attitude:
"Joel told me to get involved, get close, but not to break or hurt my players. I would do the same, because my team started passing the ball sideways, underestimating the opponent, and without any objectivity, just to make the fans chant "olé." The best way to respect your opponent is to score more goals, score more goals, and play offensively. And don't be picky with the ball.
Throw
Flamengo's Souza suspended for five matches
Player was punished for his expulsion against Grêmio
Souza will not face Atlético-PR this Wednesday (Credit: Hugo Perruso)
Flamengo striker Souza was punished Monday afternoon by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for his sending off against Grêmio. He received a five-game suspension, having already served one game—the automatic suspension.
On that occasion, the striker elbowed the Czech supporter, was sent off, and after leaving the field, he slapped his opponent again. For these attacks, the player was tried under two articles: 253 (committing physical assault against the referee or his assistants, or against any other participant in the sporting event) and 254 (committing violent play).
Five auditors voted and opted to disqualify the player from Article 253, which was moved to Article 258 (acting contrary to discipline or sporting morals), thus imposing a two-game suspension on the player. Under Article 253, Souza could have been suspended from football for 120 to 720 days.
Under Article 254, Souza was punished for three more matches, totaling five.
The Flamengo striker has already played one game - against América-RN - and will be out for the club for the next four games:
Atlético Paranaense, next Wednesday, at Kyocera Arena
Náutico, next Saturday, at Maracanã
Fluminense, on 16/8, at Maracanã
Palmeiras, on 19/8, at Antarctica Park
Flamengo lawyer says Joel Santana's case is simple
Michel Assef Filho believes Flamengo's coach will not be punished
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, said Monday, after the trial that ordered striker Souza's five-match suspension, that he doesn't believe coach Joel Santana will receive severe punishment. The coach ordered his players to beat Santos players in the club's last match, and his shouts were captured on television.
"I think it's a straightforward case. It wasn't violent at all, so much so that no Flamengo player started hitting opponents after that. If they started attacking Santos players, it would be much more complicated," he explained.
Young people will have the help of Fabio Luciano at Fla
New reinforcement for the red-black team arrives ready to help his teammates
LANCEPRESS!
Fábio Luciano is the red-and-black fans' hope that the defense's problems will be solved. The defender, recently signed by Flamengo, hopes to pass on his experience to the younger players and, in doing so, improve his teammates' performance:
"I'll always be willing to help. I try to pass on my experience to the younger players and do everything I can to make them feel comfortable around me," he told Radio Tupi.
Fábio Luciano, who has not played since April, when he played for Cologne in Germany, is recovering his fitness and should be fit to play within 15 days.
Flamengo's campaign so far is the same as in the 2005 Brasileirão
The only difference is that now there are only two wins compared to three in 2005.
Edgard Maciel de Sá
Judging by Flamengo's performance in the 2007 Brazilian Championship so far, Flamengo fans have plenty of reason to be concerned. So far, the team from Gávea's campaign is very similar to that of the 2005 Brasileirão, when the team was on the brink of relegation and was saved by Joel Santana with six wins and three draws in the last nine matches.
Back in charge of the team, Joel sees Flamengo with the same 12 points from 13 games as in the competition two years ago. Even the negative goal difference of seven remains the same. The only difference is that the club now has only two wins, compared to three the year before, which is a negative for Flamengo, as the number of wins is the competition's primary tiebreaker.
The fans can't wait to see Joel and the team repeat the performance of the last nine matches of 2005, when the team won 21 of the 27 possible points, with a success rate of 78%, managing to escape relegation with ease and finishing the Brasileirão that year in 15th place.