Walter Kannemann avoids long suspension from STJD

Grêmio defender Walter Kannemann has avoided a lengthy suspension following a hearing by the STJD's Second Disciplinary Commission. The Argentine player was originally facing a potential ban of up to six matches after being accused in the match report of making a ‘robbery’ gesture toward the referee during a match against Cruzeiro.

However, the rapporteur, Ana Luiza Ralil, downgraded the charge from an offense against honor (Article 243-F) to conduct contrary to sports ethics (Article 258). Ralil noted that video evidence was inconclusive regarding the specific gesture described in the referee's report, applying the principle of ‘in dubio pro reo’.

As a result, the penalty was converted into a warning. Kannemann will serve his automatic suspension and miss the upcoming match against Coritiba, but he is expected to be available for Grêmio's match against Athletico-PR on October 29.