The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has asked the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office to open a criminal investigation into a social media post by Alexandre Domenico, president of Corinthians supporters’ group Gaviões da Fiel, that the federation says could intimidate referees.
In an Instagram post, Domenico wrote that referees had reached their limit for “robbing” Corinthians at the stadium and said the organized supporters knew where officials stayed before matches. He added that the message was not a threat, but a warning that it was becoming difficult to hold back the crowd.
The CBF’s filing asks prosecutors to investigate possible offences including threats and incitement to crime, as well as incitement to violence connected with a sporting event under Brazil’s General Sports Law. The federation also requested urgent measures to protect referees at stadiums, hotels and along their routes for upcoming Corinthians matches.
Other requests include preserving data related to the post, hearing from Gaviões da Fiel leaders and investigating how information about referees’ accommodation became known. The CBF also asked authorities to consider precautionary measures involving Domenico and civil or collective action against him, other potentially involved leaders and the supporters’ group.
Before the CBF filed its representation, members of the São Paulo prosecutor’s office met with Mauro Silva, vice-president of the São Paulo Football Federation, and decided to send Domenico an official request to respond within five days.
In a statement, Domenico said he had posted in the heat of the moment as a Corinthians fan, not on behalf of Gaviões da Fiel. He described the post as an expression of supporters’ frustration with what they see as repeated unfavorable refereeing decisions, and denied that it was intended as a threat or to encourage anyone to act.
Corinthians are scheduled to face Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship on Friday, the report said.
Sources: Folha Esporte.