Gabigol explains dressing-room exit after Santos substitution, cites abdominal pain | OneFootball

Gabigol said he headed straight to the dressing room after being substituted in Santos’ draw with Recoleta-PAR in the Copa Sudamericana because he was feeling abdominal pain.

The forward was replaced by Thaciano in the 28th minute of the second half, then left the touchline area immediately. He later explained on social media that some team-mates and members of staff had similar symptoms, adding there had been a communication breakdown during and after the match.

After the game, head coach Cuca told his press conference he did not know why the striker had not remained on the bench and that he would ask him. He said the change was necessary in his view and that the number 9 would be held to account.

Gabigol also expressed disappointment with the draw, saying Santos had let the result slip from their grasp. He called for unity between the team and supporters to overcome a difficult spell.

With a home fixture ahead, he thanked the fans for their backing and urged everyone to stick together.

Source: Globo.com