BRASILIA: Flamengo’s worldwide ahead Gabriel Barbosa was suspended for two years on Monday for tried fraud throughout a doping take a look at, a Brazilian sports activities courtroom stated.
Known as Gabigol, the 27-year-old Brazilian was alleged to have been uncooperative throughout a shock doping take a look at on the membership’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
The punishment, which might be appealed, is backdated to April 8 final yr, when the occasions occurred.
He didn’t adjust to the schedule, disrespected the doping officers, and refused to obey directions, native media stated.
“The aforementioned athlete was tried at this time by the Full Court of Sports Anti-Doping and, by majority, it was determined {that a} violation of the anti-doping rule of fraud had occurred,” the courtroom stated in a press release despatched to eNM.
Gabigol subsequently hit again on social media, saying “I by no means tried to impede or defraud any take a look at.”
“I’m assured I might be discovered harmless on the highest courtroom,” he added.
Flamengo stated in a press release it might assist its participant and help along with his enchantment “as a result of there was no sort of fraud”.
On the testing day, Gabigol’s teammates underwent testing within the morning whereas he ignored a request to be current and attended after lunchtime, in response to the accusation.
When he lastly arrived to be examined, he reportedly turned upset as a result of an officer escorted him to the lavatory.
Furthermore, he didn’t respect the pattern assortment protocol, in response to the accusation.
A key determine in Flamengo’s 2019 home league and Copa Libertadores titles, Gabigol has persistently denied having tried to cheat within the take a look at.
“The Flamengo participant has confirmed that the take a look at has been carried out and the end result was destructive,” his lawyer stated in December, when the allegations first surfaced.
“In view of this info, there’s nothing that would compromise or violate the protocol,” the lawyer added.
Gabigol had disappointing spells at Portugal’s Benfica in addition to at Inter Milan in Italy having come via Santos’ academy, earlier than becoming a member of Flamengo in 2019.
His return to type for Flamengo earned him call-ups to the Brazil squad and he made the final of his 18 worldwide appearances in January 2022.
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Gabigol’s contract with Flamengo expires in December.
