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Last round of the Brazilian Championship 2013. Portuguesa vs. Grêmio, a game without any relevance in terms of ascension, relegation, access to the Libertadores Cup or the Copa Sulamericana. Nothing.
32 minutes into the second half, Portuguesa commit what can only be regarded as a silly blunder: suspended player Héverton comes on for the paulista team.
Minutes ago, Portuguesa were punished by the Superior Tribunal of Sports for the infringement, and to the letter: Portuguesa lost the one point from the goalless draw against Grêmio and an additional three points. With that, Portuguesa drop four positions in the tables, finishing in the relegation zone. And saving Fluminense from second division play in 2014.
Did Portuguesa commit an infringement? Certainly. Is the punishment proportional to the crime? Certainly not. Not that any of the judges involved in the Rio de Janeiro-based STJD would agree to that.
And Fluminense? Based on historical merit and curious circumstances, the carioca club cements its position as Brazil’s most loathed.
While this blogger wonders how on earth he could be so naive as to entitle the previous post “Brasileirão 2013 – final statements”.
Shame! Shame! And more shame! This is how our “justice” makes justice. Third time that Fluminense wins outside of field. Pathetic team.
There’s no better way to put it. Shame.
Is it possible for Portuguesa to appeal?
It is. Although a reverting of the sentense is highly unlikely.