SOCCER
No mercy for Marcelo, whose 3-game red card ban for horror tackle is not reduced
Conmebol have decided not to reduce the ban handed out to Fluminense’s Marcelo for his tackle on Luciano Sánchez.
Fluminense defender, Marcelo, has had the appeal for his three-game band rejceted and will serve the full length punishment ahead of the Copa Libertadores quarter finals.
Just ahead of Fluminense’s quarter final in the Copa Libertadores 2023 against Olimpia, the Brazilian club have been made aware of the outcome of Marcelo’s three-game ban. The Brazilian defender was punished with a three-game ban after the unfortunate tackle on Luciano Sánchez of Argentinos Juniors, who suffered a horrific injury due to the attempt by the left-bacl to get the ball.
Now, after Brazilian media outlet UOL informed that there could be a reduction to Marcelo’s ban due to the accidental nature of the tackle, Conmebol has now confirmed this is not the case, and Marcelo will indeed serve the full-length punishment that was originally handed out to him.
How long is Marcelo’s red card ban with Fluminense?
The left-back, as a result, will not be available for selection by manager Fernando Diniz as the team look to make it to the final four of the continental tournament. Marcelo, who has already served the first part of his ban against Argentinos Juniors, will not be involved in either legs of the tie against Olimpia, losing out on playing at home and in Asunción. He will have to wait and see if his side can make it to the semi-finals without him before he has the chance to feature again for his side in the competition.
Fluminense, also known as Flu, appealed the sanction imposed on Marcelo after his tackle on the player for Argentinos Juniors in the Round of 16. The Brazilian team declared that there was no intention from the former Real Madrid left-back in committing such a horrible tackle, and least of all injure another footballer; they used both the words of Marcelo and Argentinos Juniors manager, Gaby Milito, in their claim.
Will Marcelo’s red card ban be reduced?
Conmebol, however, in a firm manner, refuted the appeal and have now confirmed that the player’s punishment will stand, putting an end to any hope of seeing Marcelo in the upcoming round of a Copa Libertadores tournament that is dominated by Brazilian teams.
However, Marcelo’s participation in the competition was in doubt. The player’s problems with his thigh had returned and in the most recent match week of the Brasileirão against América-MG, the player featured for just 12 minutes. As a result, the Tricolor know that they will not have him for the upcoming fixtures due to a ban but that he will surely be fully fit for when the time comes to return to action.
