Grêmio to play São José behind closed doors in Gauchão home opener | OneFootball

Grêmio will play São José behind closed doors in their 2026 Gauchão home opener, a second-round fixture, on 14 January at 21:30.

According to Globo.com, the sanction follows incidents in the Gre-Nal on eight March last year, the first leg of the state final.

The 2ª Comissão Disciplinar of the Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva, TJD-RS, initially ordered the loss of two home games after referee Ramon Abatti Abel reported an explosive device, paper rolls and a bottle thrown onto the pitch by Grêmio fans.

The club were then absolved by the TJD Pleno on appeal, but the procuradoria challenged that ruling and the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva, STJD, imposed a one-match loss of home advantage.

Grêmio sought to convert the penalty into an administrative fine, potentially turned into food basket donations, which was rejected. A request to stage the game with attendance limited to women, children and people with disabilities was also refused.

Vice-president João Lucas Feldens Catto decided the São José fixture will be held at the Arena without supporters, a solution that was the club’s third preference. Before that, Grêmio visit Avenida at Estádio dos Eucaliptos in Santa Cruz do Sul on Saturday at 21:00.

Source: Globo.com