Author: Soorya G
Fluminense’s efforts to avoid Marcelo’s suspension for the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals proved futile, as the player was handed a three-match suspension by Conmebol. The decision was announced on Thursday after the committee in charge of overseeing the matter considered that Marcelo’s actions, although accidental, put the safety of the opposing player at risk and therefore justified the sending off.
Marcelo’s punishment is due to the red card he received in a match against Argentinos Juniors, when he inadvertently stepped on Luciano Sánchez, resulting in a serious injury. He already served one match of his three-match suspension in the second leg against Argentinos Juniors, securing a 2-0 win and confirming qualification. The upholding of the red card decision means that the Brazilian veteran will sit out the two Copa Libertadores quarter-final matches.
In addition to the suspension, Marcelo was fined $6,000 by the regulatory body. Fluminense are considering an appeal, especially as the severity of the red card was considered excessive by the club. The incident occurred ten minutes into the second half, when Marcelo accidentally stepped on Luciano Sánchez’s left leg, causing a complete dislocation of Sánchez’s knee. Despite his disbelief, Marcelo accepted the red card and expressed remorse for his opponent’s injury. The Argentinian defender had to be substituted after the incident, and Pablo Minissale replaced him on the pitch.
“For me, Marcelo’s expulsion is absolutely absurd, total madness. What could Marcelo have done? I’ll use a metaphor. For me, it’s like when someone crosses the road at a green light, and the driver is at fault. Marcelo was dribbling and had nowhere to put his foot. Everyone is saddened by what happened to the player. That’s one thing. The second thing is that the expulsion was absolutely wrong. Especially considering Marcelo’s reaction. There was no intention. Marcelo had nowhere to put his foot. How can he be expelled? No one kicked anyone. It was absolutely to spoil the game. I can’t accept Marcelo’s expulsion.” Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz spoke about the red card and the subsequent sanctions.