Vasco is punished with closed gates and a fine after shocking incidents with fans

Vasco was punished by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) with four games behind closed doors and a fine of R$ 60 thousand due to incidents that occurred after the defeat against Goiás, in a match valid for the 11th round of the Brasileirão, on the 22nd. of June. During that game, objects were thrown onto the field, São Januário was depredated and there was a confrontation between fans and the police.

The punishment was decided by the 3rd Disciplinary Commission of the court during the trial held this Wednesday (5). The decision was taken by majority vote. So far, Vasco has already played a game behind closed doors in the next round of the Brasileirão, in a 1-0 victory over Cuiabá.

According to sporting justice, the next three games in which Vasco is the principal must also be played behind closed doors. These games are against Cruzeiro (08/07), Athletico (23/07) and Grêmio (02/08). After this sequence, the club will be able to receive its fans again from the confrontation against Atlético Mineiro, at the beginning of the return of the championship.

In addition to the punishment imposed by the STJD, it is important to mention that there is still an injunction in force, granted by the president of the court, which prohibits Vasco from having its fans present at home and away games for a period of 30 days, starting from the June 23rd. The trial of this injunction will take place on Thursday (6), but it is likely to lose its validity, since the merits of the case were already judged on Wednesday (5). The practical effect of this decision would be the release of ticket sales for Vasco fans in away games.

_{Goiás’ victory triggered a wave of revolt in the opposing crowd at the end of the match (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@goiasoficial)}

During Vasco’s defense, lawyers Marcelo Jucá and Amanda Borer argued that the club made every effort to ensure the safety of fans inside São Januário, resulting in the absence of serious cases. They brought as a witness Military Police Major Adriano Silva dos Santos, who acted as the club’s security consultant at games in São Januário.

Lawyers also reported that Vasco assumed the expenses related to the vehicle of referee Marcelo van Gasse, whose car was stoned by fans.

Although the penalty imposed by the STJD will come into effect from Vasco’s next home game, it is important to note that the club also faces punishment in the Common Court. Initially, the Special Court for Supporters and Major Events partially banned São Januário, but the club managed, last week, to partially overturn this injunction, allowing games to be played behind closed doors.

This case will still have its merits judged, but it will probably take some time, as an expert appointed by the court needs to analyze all the reports presented by Vasco.

Featured photo: Vasco fans clashed with the police. Playback/Instagram/@vascodagama