Diniz defends André after red card for alleged obscene gesture | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Corinthians coach Fernando Diniz has defended André after the midfielder’s red card for an alleged obscene gesture in the derby with Palmeiras last Sunday, maintaining that the player did not make the gesture.

He raised the matter unprompted in his press conference after the win over Santa Fe of Colombia in the Conmebol Libertadores.

Diniz said the footage did not convince him. He added that André told him it was not aimed at anyone, that contact with the ball or an opponent occurred near the groin, and that his hand movement was not intended to provoke.

He said he trusts André’s account and that such behaviour is not part of the youngster’s character, describing him as discreet with a promising future. Diniz urged that his version be considered and said the player was too humble to argue with the referee and felt embarrassed to react.

André was sent off, and Corinthians applied a 10% deduction to his registered salary, in line with club policy. In early April, Allan received the same punishment after holding his private parts and pointing them towards an opponent during the match against Fluminense at the Maracanã.

André is suspended for the next match against Vitória at Barradão on Saturday at 20h Brasília time, in the 12th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. He is due before the STJD on Friday and could be banned for one to six matches.

Source: Globo.com