Botafogo-PB dismisses coach following Série C struggles and fan confrontation

Botafogo-PB has dismissed head coach Marcelo Fernandes following a 0-0 draw against Maringá in the Brazilian Série C. The decision follows a difficult run in the access quadrangular stage, where the team failed to secure wins against Santa Cruz-PE, Floresta-CE, and Maringá. Along with Fernandes, assistant coach Marcelo Copertino and executive football director Fernando Leite are also leaving the club.

The match also saw tension between players and supporters. Center-forward Henrique Dourado was struck in the head by a bottle thrown from the stands at the Almeidão stadium. In response, Dourado made obscene gestures toward the crowd during a pitch-side interview. Dourado later issued a statement on social media, claiming he was reacting solely to the individual who assaulted him and denying that he targeted the fans as a whole.