Palmeiras gets Barboza cleared after STJD ruling

The Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) decided on Friday (July 3) to cut Alexander Barboza’s sanction, allowing the defender to debut for Palmeiras in the first match after the World Cup break, against Coritiba on July 23 in the Brazilian Serie A.

Why was Barboza’s penalty reduced?

Barboza originally received a two‑match ban for verbally abusing referee Anderson Daronco during a Botafogo × Flamengo classic while still playing for Botafogo. The STJD panel judged the remarks – “you’re a disaster, a coward, it wasn’t a foul” – as an immediate reaction to his expulsion. That interpretation lowered the punishment from two games to one, already served automatically, freeing the centre‑back for Palmeiras’ next fixture.

Allan remains suspended: what are the consequences?

Unlike Barboza, midfielder Allan failed to overturn his sanction. He was charged under article 254 of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code for a stomp on a Chapecoense player on May 31, the last match before the World Cup pause. The STJD upheld a two‑match suspension, meaning Allan will miss the clash with Coritiba and the subsequent game against Atlético‑MG, both in the league schedule.

How does the decision affect Palmeiras after the break?

With Barboza back, coach Abel Ferreira gains more defensive options for the post‑World Cup start, as the club aims to reclaim the league lead. Allan’s absence, however, leaves the midfield thinner, forcing adjustments and greater responsibility from players like Gustavo Scarpa and Raphael Veiga. The mix of a reinforced back line and a missing midfielder could shift the dynamics of the opening rounds, especially against direct rivals Coritiba and Atlético‑MG.

What to expect in the upcoming matches?

Palmeiras faces Coritiba on July 23 with Barboza available and Allan sidelined. A solid defensive display could spark a win and reopen the path to the Serie A top spot. Three days later, the team meets Atlético‑MG, still without Allan, testing squad depth. The board has voiced full support for the coach, while president Leila Pereira reiterated confidence in Barboza’s attitude and downplayed Paulinho’s gesture against Flamengo.

What’s the legal outlook for future appeals?

The differing treatment of Barboza and Allan shows the STJD evaluates each case based on the nature of the offense – verbal versus violent. Palmeiras’ lawyers cited precedents such as Evertton Araújo’s acquittal for a similar incident to Allan’s stomp. So far, the tribunal’s stance suggests that appeals involving violent conduct face tougher odds, which may shape future defense strategies.