Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira faces up to a six-match suspension after being formally denounced by the sports justice prosecutor’s office for kicking an audio recording microphone during a match against Mirassol, according to reports from Gazeta Esportiva and Terra. Speaking after securing a Copa do Brasil semifinal berth, the manager defended his intense touchline behavior and dismissed the gravity of the disciplinary charge.
Abel Ferreira Defends Touchline Behavior Ahead of STJD Hearing
Facing a potential suspension under Article 258 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD) for unsportsmanlike conduct, Abel Ferreira offered a blunt defense when questioned by journalists. “I didn’t kill anyone. I live football intensely. My name is Abel Ferreira and I am a human being. I am going to make mistakes like all of us,” the manager stated, as reported by Terra.
The Superior Tribunal of Sports Justice (STJD) prosecutor’s office filed the complaint following video evidence from Palmeiras’ 1-1 draw against Mirassol, where the Portuguese coach struck pitchside broadcasting equipment. Because he is a repeat offender before the tribunal—having served an eight-match suspension earlier in the year—the disciplinary commission could issue a ban ranging from one to six matches when the case goes to trial before the third Disciplinary Commission.
Contrasting Sanctions Between CONMEBOL and Domestic Courts
During his post-match remarks, Abel highlighted the disparity between international and domestic disciplinary penalties for identical infractions. According to Terra, CONMEBOL previously handled a similar incident during a Copa Libertadores fixture against Cerro Porteño by issuing a financial penalty rather than a suspension. South American governing bodies fined the coach US$ 10 mil alongside an additional US$ 1.832,60 to cover the replacement cost of the damaged audio unit, allowing him to remain on the touchline.
“They didn’t take me out of the game,” Abel remarked regarding the continental ruling, contrasting it with the harsher sporting bans regularly evaluated by domestic authorities in Brazil.
Copa do Brasil Success and Defense of Vitor Roque
The disciplinary defense arrived immediately after Palmeiras advanced to the Copa do Brasil semifinals. Following a 3-0 victory in the opening leg, the squad managed a scoreless draw against Santos at the historic Vila Belmiro stadium. Abel praised his team for executing an intelligent, consistent match plan in an intimidating environment, while noting that the club’s next opponent in the tournament will be Vasco.
Beyond his own disciplinary outlook, the manager used the press conference to shield striker Vitor Roque from ongoing public criticism over missed scoring opportunities. “Do you know who carried him on his back for 10 or 15 matches last year? When they said he was a ‘bagre’… Who supported every press conference? Who took it on the chest?” Abel asked, emphasizing that the coaching staff, captains, and club directors continue to protect and nurture the young forward.
Schedule and Upcoming Fixtures
Palmeiras turns immediate attention back to domestic and international commitments. The squad travels to face Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro before hosting LDU in continental play, with the Copa do Brasil semifinal ties against Vasco scheduled for November.
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