Understand STJD’s complaint against Botafogo for hanging dolls of Leila and Ednaldo

The Sports Justice Prosecutor’s Office of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) reported the Botafogo this Thursday (8) due to an incident involving fans before the match against Palm treesno Nilton Santos Stadium. The Rio de Janeiro club was accused of “not preventing and repressing the conduct” of the fans who hung up hanging dolls representing Leila Pereirapresident of Palm treesand Ednaldo Rodriguespresident of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The action was considered “disorderly” by the STJD.

According to the complaint, Botafogo will be judged based on article 213 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD), which deals with the lack of measures to prevent and suppress incidents. The penalty may include a fine of R$100 to R$100,000, in addition to the loss of home field advantage for a period of one to ten matches.

The incident occurred outside the stadium, near one of the train tracks. Photos and videos of the dolls went viral on social media hours before the game started, increasing the repercussion of the case. As soon as Botafogo was informed of the incident, they called the Military Police to remove the objects.

The Sports Justice Prosecutor’s Office reinforced the seriousness of the incident: “The videos and news reports attached to the records do not give rise to any doubts as to the regrettable events that occurred before the start of the match between Botafogo and Palmeiras, with the sole purpose of inciting violence against the President of the CBF and the representative of Palmeiras”he reported.

Botafogo officially spoke out on social media, condemning the acts. “Botafogo vehemently repudiates the threats and criminal acts made against the President of Palmeiras, Leila Pereira, and the President of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues. As soon as it became aware of this, the Board of Directors asked the police to act immediately”the club declared in an official statement.

John Textor, owner of SAF Alvinegra, also expressed his repudiation after the match. “This is not Botafogo. This doesn’t help us win, this doesn’t help the team, so I apologize to Leila and Ednaldo for this. It’s all about love, and that’s the message.”said the American businessman.