The STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) ordered this Tuesday (12) the closure of Arena MRV, Atlético-MG’s stadium. The club announced that it will appeal the decision, claiming that it did not have the right to defense.
The decision by the president of the STJD, Luís Otávio Verissimo, responded to the request of the Sports Justice Prosecutor’s Office (PGJD) after turmoil in the match between Atlético-MG and Flamengo, valid for the second leg of the Copa do Brasil final last Sunday (10) .
The ban requires Atlético-MG to play its home games in another stadium and behind closed doors. According to the STJD, the club must prove the implementation of security measures for the stadium to be released.
In a statement, Atlético-MG regretted the episode and said it will work to ensure the situation does not happen again. “We will not exempt ourselves from blame, we made a mistake and we will admit it. We will implement new, tougher measures, so that this does not happen again within our home”, stated Bruno Muzzi, CEO of the club.
The Prosecutor’s Office cited bomb throwing, field invasions and the use of a laser against Flamengo goalkeeper Augustin Rossi. The Civil Police of Minas Gerais (PCMG) opened an investigation to investigate the crime. Two other artifacts were thrown close to players Gonzalo Plata, who scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory.
Atlético reported that it has already identified some of the offenders, who will be punished by the club “severely”. According to management, 16 fans were taken away by the Military Police, 12 of which were detained due to inciting a riot, threats and racial insults.
Nuremberg photographer Maria José was hit by a bomb and suffered fractures and ruptured tendons, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.
The STJD’s decision is based on articles 211 and 213 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD). The court considered that Atlético-MG failed to maintain security and that the ban was necessary to prevent further incidents.
In the match summary, referee Raphael Claus points out throwing glasses and objects on the pitch, as well as lasers in the goalkeeper’s eyes. The game was interrupted for seven minutes. After the match ended, a fan invaded the field, and others tried to invade, leading to the intervention of the Military Police.
The STJD gave Atlético-MG two days to submit a response. The ban will remain in force until the club proves the implementation of the required measures.
