Grêmio assistant coach Alexandre Mendes was released from custody and returned to the technical area ahead of a 1–1 draw against Internacional, prompting head coach Renato Portaluppi to defend his colleague and voice political support for the Bolsonaro family, Poder360 reported.
Arrest at Salgado Filho Airport and Subsequent Release
Alexandre Mendes was detained on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre immediately after the Grêmio delegation landed following a match against Remo in Belém. According to reporting from Correio do Povo, the detention stemmed from an alleged violation of a protective order issued in favor of his former partner on March 5, 2026. Following his arrival, authorities initially transferred Mendes to a penitentiary in Canoas.
The legal situation shifted the following day. On Friday, October 9, 2026, the court revoked Mendes’s preventive detention after the public Ministério Público issued a favorable opinion, determining that the evidence did not sustain the violation. Mendes resumed his professional duties on Saturday, October 10, and occupied his usual spot on the bench for the Gre-Nal derby at the Arena do Grêmio.
Legal Defense and Public Statements from Counsel
Legal representation for Alexandre Mendes maintained that the assistant did not break any court-ordered restrictions. Attorney Tapir Neto stated that Mendes attended the Expointer agricultural event in Esteio during August and September without knowing his former partner would be present, noting that the two individuals did not maintain any physical or electronic contact during the gathering, according to coverage by ND Mais.
In a public statement issued on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Mendes described the accusation as false. Estive 100% à disposição da Justiça desde a primeira abordagem, e fiz questão de disponibilizar todas as informações necessárias a fim de esclarecer que fui acusado injustamente por uma violação que não cometi,
the assistant wrote in remarks published by Correio do Povo. The defense team also requested communication records to verify the separate positioning of mobile phones at the venue.
Post-Match Press Conference and Political Declaration
Following the 1–1 draw against Internacional on Sunday, October 11, 2026—where Vitinho scored for the visitors before Wallace equalized for Grêmio—Renato Portaluppi addressed reporters in Porto Alegre. The Grêmio coach criticized the media attention surrounding his assistant’s detention, arguing that public condemnation preceded a fair evaluation of the facts.
Eu sou totalmente a favor de prender quem bate em mulher. O dia que ele fizer isso, não vai mais trabalhar comigo,
Portaluppi told journalists, as reported by GZH. Concluding his remarks, the head coach connected his frustration with journalistic coverage to his political alignment: Eu não deveria falar isso, mas é por isso que eu sou Bolsonaro.
The statement was interpreted as support for Flávio Bolsonaro, who is contesting a presidential runoff against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Standings Implications in the Campeonato Brasileiro
The draw left Grêmio mired in the relegation zone after 30 rounds of the Campeonato Brasileiro. With 31 points, the club occupies 18th place in the league table. Grêmio’s next fixture in the tournament is scheduled against Cruzeiro on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 16:00 local time (19:00 UTC) at the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre.
Legal Proceedings and Future Actions
The legal representation representing the potential victim stated in an official note that the firm will keep following the proceedings and enforcing proper measures to protect the security, dignity, and rights of their client. Meanwhile, the defense announced plans to pursue legal action to address damages sustained during the proceedings.
Related reading
