Leao handed 30-day ban after brawl
Reuters - Thursday 29 July 2010, 10:57
RIO DE JANEIRO- Former Brazil
goalkeeper and coach Emerson Leao has been given a 30-day
provisional ban for his part in an on-pitch brawl following a
domestic championship match involving his Goias team last week.
Two Goias players, striker Rafael Moura and midfielder
Romerito, were also suspended provisionally for the same length
of time, meaning they will miss the team's next seven matches,
Brazil's highest disciplinary tribunal said.
Goias were involved in a brawl with radio reporters after
their 2-2 draw at Vitoria.
The STJD said that coach Leao and the two players were
taken to a police station following the incidents and that
television pictures showed Moura knocking a radio reporter over
with a punch.
"We cannot allow players, directors and coaches to get
involved in behaviour which demoralises Braziian football
without applying, from the outset, the corrective measures
allowed by the disciplinary code," STJD president Rubens
Approbato said on the tribunal's website.
"This is an example which can be used, in the future, by
those who may have the idea that they can get away with such
acts."
Trouble broke out at the end of the match after Vitoria had
snatched an 89th minute equaliser.
Leao, who coached Brazil from 2000 to 2001 and played for
them at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, headed straight for the
referee to protest about the goal, claiming it was offside.
Touchline radio reporters attempted to broadcast the
conversation, leading to a scuffle involving a number of Goias
players.
The reporters are a distinctive feature at Brazilian
matches. They interview players on the pitch immediately before
or after games, when players are sent off, and also run onto
the field when there is a disturbance.
Known for his fiery temper, the 61-year-old Leao is
coaching his 17th Brazilian club.
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