Fluminense’s former Brazil international, Marcelo, has been slapped with a three-match ban by CONMEBOL following an unfortunate incident during their Copa Libertadores clash in Buenos Aires last week.
His tackle on Argentinos Juniors’ Luciano Sanchez resulted in a severe injury that has left the defender sidelined. Additionally, Marcelo has been fined $6,000 by the South American soccer governing body.
During the match, Marcelo was dribbling towards Sanchez when his leading foot missed the ball entirely and forcefully struck the Argentinian defender’s shin. The impact was so intense that Sanchez’s leg twisted at a horrifying angle, leaving him writhing in pain on the pitch.
Sanchez had to be carried off the field on a stretcher, and subsequent medical examination confirmed a fracture. The team doctor expressed astonishment, stating it was a type of injury he had never encountered before.
Marcelo’s actions resulted in his tearful dismissal from the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the last 16.
Expressing regret, he took to Instagram hours later to address the incident and extend his well wishes to the injured player. Marcelo stated, “Today, I had a very difficult moment on the pitch. I unintentionally injured a fellow player. I want to wish him the best possible recovery. All the strength in the world.”
The ban imposed by CONMEBOL has already seen Marcelo miss the second leg of the Copa Libertadores tie, where Fluminense emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.