Clarification note regarding visiting public Flamengo x Atlético-MG
By Flamengo Communication - inClube de Regatas do Flamengo, after having become aware of the official note published by Clube Atlético Mineiro and in view of the unfounded and untrue accusations, hereby publicly clarifies the following:
1. From the beginning of the process, Flamengo was concerned about the security of the operation, but diligent in meeting, in the safest way, the request of Clube Atlético Mineiro to make the number of tickets available to visiting fans.
2. Flamengo spared no effort to provide a safe environment, both from a health and safety perspective and for the physical safety of its fans. To this end, it contacted the appropriate authorities to ensure the entire operation was authorized and carried out in the best possible manner, given the complex reality we live in, due to the need to adopt health protocols, which are strictly followed, at least in Rio de Janeiro.
3. This complexity requires the adoption of a health protocol that begins with the ticket purchase, continues with the arrival of Atlético fans in Rio de Janeiro, the exchange of vouchers for tickets, and the entry of these fans into the stadium and their return to their hometown. The greatest concern arises when verifying documents and proof of vaccination and negative test results, which requires visiting fans to remain in the stadium's vicinity for a period of time. These and other arguments were presented to the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), which, in its analysis, found that the procedure was feasible.
Following this decision, Flamengo immediately made the ticket shipment available to Atlético, as requested by the club.
4. It turns out that Clube Atlético Mineiro, to the detriment of all the protocol determined by the health and safety authorities of the city of Rio de Janeiro - a protocol that, obviously, is being strictly followed by Flamengo and all its fans - saw fit to request a new conduct for this sales process and make disrespectful comments not only to this club but also to its President, which in no way relate to the reality of the facts and add nothing.
5. It is important to highlight that Flamengo strictly complied with the STJD's determination and provided the quota of tickets for sale as requested by Atlético Mineiro. However, the aforementioned club decided not to proceed with the sale, believing it lacked the technical conditions to do so. Therefore, it returned to the STJD requesting a change in the sales method for its fans, so that Flamengo could sell tickets on its website. This request was denied by the STJD, and the sale must be handled by Atlético Mineiro itself, as they themselves had requested.
6. Therefore, Flamengo could not remain silent regarding an aggressive official statement that is divorced from reality and adds nothing to Brazilian football.
7. Flamengo informs that it has already taken all necessary measures to guarantee the safety of Atlético fans and its directors and is always available to conduct this process in a professional and equitable manner, complying with all health protocols required by the municipality.