Kaio César cleared by STJD over Bahia v Corinthians flashpoint | OneFootball

The Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva do Futebol, STJD, has cleared forward Kaio César of an "ato desleal ou hostil" charge arising from the fracas at the end of the first half of Bahia v Corinthians in the 20th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

According to Globo.com, after initially filing the case, the sporting prosecutor’s office requested his acquittal at Friday’s hearing, and the 5ª Comissão Disciplinar confirmed the decision unanimously. A conviction would have brought a ban of one to three matches.

Prosecutor Danilo Carvalho told the panel video showed no unfair or hostile act, describing a minor push initiated by a Bahia player and a light reaction that did not amount to aggression. Auditor-rapporteur Ramon Rocha Santos also backed acquittal, saying images indicated Kaio César merely freed himself as the Bahia player simulated a blow to the face.

The incident followed a tussle between Zé Guilherme and Kaio César, after which referee Ramon Abatti Abel blew for half-time. Moments later, Alejo Véliz collided with the Corinthians forward and fell, claiming contact from the opponent’s arm. A 30-second pushing and shoving then involved players and staff, and no one was sanctioned, even after a VAR review.

Corinthians and Bahia were likewise absolved of "participar de rixa, conflito ou tumulto durante a partida", but were fined R$ 5,000 and R$ 6,000 respectively for a delayed restart after the interval.

The STJD also cleared the referee of an allegation that he failed to record disciplinary incidents, and the match report signed by Ramon Abatti Abel did not mention the scuffle. The game ended 1-1, with Corinthians ninth on 29 points.

Source: Globo.com