Odair Hellmann suspended by STJD following Athletico match

Athletico Paranaense coach Odair Hellmann has been suspended by the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) following a match against Bahia. The STJD imposed a four-game suspension and an 8,000 reais fine after Hellmann was accused of insulting match officials.

The disciplinary action stems from a red card received during the match. According to the referee's report, Hellmann used offensive language toward the officiating crew. This penalty is in addition to an automatic suspension triggered by his third yellow card, potentially resulting in a total of five matches on the sidelines.

Defense attorney Paulo Henrique Golambiuk has contested the allegations, arguing that video evidence does not support the referee's claim that the specific insults were uttered. Athletico Paranaense has announced its intention to appeal the decision to the Tribunal's Plenary.