Paulinho charged by STJD over goal celebration against Flamengo | OneFootball

Palmeiras forward Paulinho has been charged by the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva over his goal celebration against Flamengo at the Maracanã on Saturday. The club are preparing a defence.

The issue was not his shushing gesture, but an obscene motion made during the celebration, a move associated with organised supporters of Palmeiras and Vasco, the club where he first made his name.

He has been cited under Article 258-A of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice, which covers provoking the crowd during a match. The possible punishment ranges from two to six matches.

“This business with celebrations is getting very annoying. When a player scores, does he have to apologise? I saw no problem with Paulinho’s celebration. Football is entertainment,” said club president Leila Pereira during the Copa do Brasil draw, speaking to ge tv.

The hearing has not yet been scheduled, though it is expected to take place soon.

Source: Globo.com