YELLOW CARD TIRA DE LA CRUZ FROM THE THIRD PLACE FINAL IN THE COPA AMÉRICA

The right side Varela used social media to describe her trip to the shore of Recreio beach this Wednesday (23), where a widespread fight between Peñarol (URU) fans took place. In the statement, the Flamengo stated that he was not involved in any act of violence and went in search of rescuing two friends. Finally, the player apologized for the misunderstanding.

SEE OFFICIAL NOTE

“Nação Rubro-Negra, as recorded on social media, I was at Praia do Recreio to rescue two friends who were scared by the confusion. I did not participate in any act of violence. We lost contact as soon as I arrived at the scene. I waited for 15 minutes and was approached by military police officers who were doing their job.

After all to be resolved, I headed for lunch with my teammates and coaching staff. I have already spoken to the vice-president of football, Marcos Braz. I apologize for the misunderstanding and reaffirm my commitment to taking Flamengo to titles! Red-Black Greetings!”

Varela turned subject in the news after appearing on the edge of Recreio beach amidst the chaos that Peñarol fans were creating there. The full-back even tried not to get out of the car to avoid being caught, however, the police wanted to search the athlete's car.

Flamengo right-back Guillermo Varela found himself in a controversial situation last Wednesday, after being caught nearby to a group of Peñarol fans during an incident in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. According to information provided by the athlete's manager, Fábio Pinto, the Uruguayan was just helping a relative involved in the confusion. However, Varela's presence at the scene caught the attention of the authorities, resulting in a police approach that generated repercussions on social media.

According to Fábio Pinto, the player was called by a relative who was in the middle of the commotion and was quite nervous. Faced with the situation, Varela, who was leaving training, decided go through the place to remove the family member from the confusion. "Varela has a relative who was here. He called nervously, asking what to do. was leaving training, he decided to stop there to help the person get out of the mess", reported Fábio. When the player parked his car, a police officer identified the vehicle as suspicious and proceeded with a search.

 PLAYER HAS HIS VERSION OF THE FACTS 

During the approach, a video was recorded, showing Varela being searched, the which quickly went viral and generated comments on social media. The businessman stated that the situation was clarified by the police, who found that the athlete was not involved in any illegal activity. “Because he was a public figure, someone filmed him. The search was carried out, and the police officer saw that everything was fine with Varela and his documents. He was released and is already at Flamengo's training center”, said Fábio Pinto.

In messages exchanged with the businessman, Varela detailed his version of the facts. He explained that, initially, he did not intend to leave the car, precisely to avoid any misinterpretation of his presence at the scene. However, the police approach made him change his stance. "I was leaving, and the police were coming the other way. They saw me and asked me to get out. I wanted to explain who I was so there wouldn't be any confusion, but the police officer told me to get out of the car", reported the player.

FLAMENGO HAS A HEADACHE

The incident involving Varela gained repercussion among fans and the press, leading Flamengo to monitor the situation closely to prevent the club's image from being damaged. So far, the club has not issued an official statement, but, internally, the board assesses that the player was taken by surprise and had no intention of causing disruption. Sources linked to Flamengo reinforced that the focus is on supporting the athlete , since the preliminary investigation did not reveal any irregularities.

Seeking the unprecedented Libertadores title, Botafogo faces Peñarol (URU) this Wednesday (23), in the first leg of the semifinalsof the continental tournament. The match will be at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Nilton Santos Stadium.

This confrontation marks the first duel between Botafogo and Peñarol. After the game in Rio de Janeiro, the teams will face each other again on October 30th, also at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Campeón del Siglo Stadium, in Montevideo.

Flamengo in the Copa do Brasil and Brasileirão

Three-time Libertadores champion, Flamengowas eliminated in the quarter-finals this year by Peñarol himself. However, Rubro-Negro remains in contention for two important titles. In the Brazilian Championship, the team is in the G-4, with 51 points, and still dreams of the cup. Furthermore, after eliminating Corinthians in the semi-final, Flamengo secured their place in the final of the Copa do Brasil and will seek their fifth title in the competition.

Brazilian Cup Final

Flamengo and Atlético-MG will decide the title Copa do Brasilin two games, on November 3rd and 10th (two Sundays). The draw to define the field commands will take place this Thursday (24), at 3pm (Brasília time), at the CBF headquarters.

Next Flamengo game

Before focusing on the Copa do Brasil final, Flamengohas important commitments in the Brasileirão. Next Saturday (26), the team will face Juventude in the 31st round, at 7pm, at Maracanã. Furthermore, on October 30th, Mengão will face Internacional in Beira Rio, in a postponed championship game.