Fernando Diniz cleared by STJD, free for Corinthians’ derby with São Paulo | OneFootball

Corinthians head coach Fernando Diniz has been acquitted by the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva, clearing him to lead the derby against São Paulo. The case stemmed from his remarks after the 2-1 defeat to Mirassol.

He had been cited under article 258 of the CBJD, notably §2 II on conduct contrary to sporting discipline and ethics, which includes disrespect towards officials. According to Meu Timao, the panel deemed his comments constructive and aligned with Corinthians’ defence.

Prosecutor Raoni Lacerda Vita submitted a clip from Diniz’s post-match press conference, where he criticised referee Matheus Delgado Candançan and VAR official Marcio Henrique de Gois. Sub-prosecutor Ronald Siqueira Barbosa Filho argued the remarks lacked objectivity and undermined Candançan’s credibility.

Defence lawyer Dr Sérgio Engelberg referenced the Thiago Mendes precedent, when the Vasco player was cleared after criticising referee Davi Lacerda. He said Diniz avoided profanity and personal slurs, did not question the referee’s integrity, and pointed to specific incidents, while acknowledging Corinthians did not lose because of the officiating.

After hearing the arguments, Raoni Lacerda Vita himself voted for acquittal, stressing the need to balance free expression and offence. Auditors Ramon Rocha, José Luiz Cavalcante and Marina Volpatto also backed acquittal, noting the comments were firm but remained within sporting criticism.

Diniz will be on the touchline at 18:30 on Sunday at Neo Química Arena for the 15th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Corinthians are 17th with 15 points and could climb to 10th with a win, depending on other results.

Source: Meu Timao