Brazil defend Cesar back support
Reuters - Saturday 26 June 2010, 18:27
JOHANNESBURG - Brazil have denied there
is anything wrong with a back protector used by goalkeeper Julio
Cesar, revealed during Friday's goalless draw against Portugal.
Team spokesman Rodrigo Paiva said on Saturday that the
equipment, which the goalkeeper wraps around his waist,
contained metal clips but they had been approved by FIFA.
"The only thing which has metal are the clips," Paiva told
reporters. "It's a normal belt which he has used for the past
two years at his club and with Brazil, to give him more
confidence."
"Before the game, FIFA look at all the equipment and this
was permitted because there wasn't a problem."
The protector was exposed when Julio Cesar was treated on
the pitch after being hurt in a clash with Raul Meireles during
Friday's game.
It immediately caused speculation that he was still
suffering from a back injury which he sustained during a
friendly against Zimbabwe before the World Cup.
The player told reporters after Friday's game that he used
the protector to give him more confidence and that he had
completely recovered from the injury.
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