“Abel Ferreira may face suspension for insulting a referee.”

Abel Ferreira, the controversial Portuguese coach of Palmeiras, is on the brink of a severe suspension following an explosive incident during the derby against São Paulo. In the match, which ended with Palmeiras winning 1-0, Ferreira was sent off in the 78th minute and now faces serious consequences from the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD).

The reason for the expulsion? Ferreira did not hold back in calling referee Anderson Daronco a “coward,” a term that could prove costly for the coach. According to STJD rules, this type of behavior is considered misconduct, and penalties can range from one to six matches of suspension. This is not the first controversial episode in Abel Ferreira’s career in Brazil, as since arriving in the country in 2020, he has become the most cautioned coach, amassing an impressive total of thirty yellow cards and five red cards. This history may negatively influence the sports court’s decision.

The STJD’s prosecution highlighted that Ferreira, with his frequently controversial stance, has managed to stay in the spotlight, but not for the right reasons. “No one, neither Palmeiras players nor other coaches in the country, has received more warnings than he has,” they stated in a release, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation the coach finds himself in.

In this scenario, pressure mounts on Abel Ferreira, especially with his declared desire to win more titles. “We need to win, and we will win soon,” assured the coach, who now must contend not only with the pressure to succeed on the field but also with the uncertainty of his future in charge of the team.

Moreover, the situation in Palmeiras’ clinical department and the need for reinforcements for the team become even more evident as Ferreira tries to navigate through this sea of challenges. With social media buzzing and fans demanding results, the upcoming week promises to be decisive for Abel Ferreira’s future as coach of Palmeiras. The outcome of this case could not only shape his career but also influence the team’s dynamics in future competitions.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.