Fluminense were held to a goalless draw by Cerro Porteño in the CONMEBOL Libertadores in their first match without John Kennedy, Alexsander, Kauã Elias, and Arthur, who were separated from the squad due to an act of indiscipline.
The club made the decision after discovering that the four players in question held a party the night before the state derby against Vasco da Gama last weekend.
READ MORE
++ Fluminense punishes the Libertadores hero and other key players for acts of indiscipline
++ Salzburg highlights Fluminense and Palmeiras as they celebrate ticket for 2025 Club World Cup
++ Fluminense: Marcelo compares John Kennedy to Ronaldo and Romário
“It was something unacceptable, even more nowadays,” coach Fernando Diniz said. “We hope it serves as a learning experience for them and for others, so that Brazilian football takes professional football more seriously. There are many families involved. We have to work with respect and maximum effort so that things happen correctly.”
Os atletas John Kennedy, Kauã Elias, Arthur e Alexsander foram afastados em razão de atos de indisciplina cometidos na concentração do jogo contra o Vasco, e não viajarão hoje para a disputa da partida contra o Cerro Porteño, no Paraguai, e contra o Corinthians, em São Paulo. pic.twitter.com/7dUUAv4mx7
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) April 23, 2024
The news gave a lot to talk about in Brazil, as all of the players in question played an important role in the Rio de Janeiro team. Kennedy’s case is probably the most surprising one, as the forward scored the goal that gave Flu their first Libertadores title last year.
Diniz’s team will return to action on Sunday (28), when they visit Corinthians on Matchday 4 of the 2024 Brasileirao. The four sanctioned footballers will not be in consideration for this match either.
Zagallo documentary by Sambafoot
Sambafoot Series has launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo’ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays – as a player and as a coach. The first two episodes are available in Sambafoot’s Youtube channel and the series will receive weekly releases to tell this legend’s life story.
