Courtesy: Goal.com, Folha PE
David Neres, 24, and Sao Paulo defender Robert Arboleda were among those detained after police raided the illegal party. Police questioned them after they violated Coronavirus prohibitions by attending a party in Sao Paulo.
The nightclub was closed down by police after an inspection revealed that 124 people were present. When inspectors arrived at around 2 a.m., the proprietor attempted to give everyone face masks, but 15 participants were unable to put them on.
The internationals from Brazil and Ecuador, as well as the club’s owner, were escorted to the police station and testified. It is unclear whether the athletes will face criminal charges for violating public health legislation. The club owner faces a R$200,000 (£27,000/$38,000) fine since event and performance venues in Sao Paulo are not permitted to open beyond 9 p.m., and crowds are not permitted.
Neres’ management told reporters that he has only been given a warning, suggesting he will not be charged. Ajax has not made a statement, but Sao Paulo has confirmed that Arboleda will be left out of the team until it is proven he does not have Covid-19. He will miss Saturday’s game against Fluminense as a result.
Arboleda posted an apology on his Instagram story, saying:
“I would like to apologize to everyone for what happened this morning. Impulsively, I made a decision that I know is not the best.”
“Of course, I am aware of the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, as well as in my home country, Ecuador, and I reiterate that I made a wrong and impulsive decision to come to the scene, even though I took all the necessary precautions and wore a mask all the time.”