Palmeiras fans erupt after STJD fines Flamengo's Bruno Henrique instead of suspending him
Nov, 23 2025
When the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) dropped its punishment of Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique from a 12-game suspension to a mere R$100,000 fine on the November 13, 2023 judgment, the reaction wasn’t just loud—it was seismic. Torcedores from Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras flooded social media with rage, not because of the decision itself, but because of what it revealed: a system that seems to bend differently depending on which club you play for. And here’s the twist: the man who voted to free Bruno Henrique, Rodrigo Aiache, vice-president of the STJD, was spotted wearing a Flamengo jersey on his personal Instagram. The photo didn’t just go viral—it ignited a firestorm.
Why This Feels Like a Betrayal
For Palmeiras fans, this wasn’t just about one player. It was about consistency. Or the lack of it. Just weeks before, Allan Vieira da Silva, a Palmeiras forward, received a two-game suspension for a routine red card. No controversy. No appeals. Just a standard penalty. Meanwhile, Vitor Roque, another Palmeiras star, remains under investigation for a deleted social media post interpreted as homophobic—a potential multi-game ban that could derail his season. Yet Bruno Henrique, accused of supplying inside information to sports bettors—a violation that could undermine the integrity of the entire league—walks away with a fine smaller than the cost of a season ticket package."It’s not about Bruno," said one Palmeiras supporter on X, formerly Twitter. "It’s about the guy who voted for him wearing the enemy’s shirt. That’s not bias. That’s a conflict of interest with a flag on it."
The STJD’s Image Problem
The Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva, based in Rio de Janeiro, is supposed to be Brazil’s final word on disciplinary matters in football. But this ruling has shattered its credibility. The tribunal initially charged Bruno Henrique under Article 112—"interfering with match results and harming the team." That’s serious. It carries mandatory suspensions. But during the November 13 hearing, his legal team successfully reclassified the charge under Article 124—"breach of competition regulations." Suddenly, it became a paperwork error, not a corruption risk. The shift was abrupt. The reasoning? Unclear.Jornalista Danilo Lavieri of UOL confirmed what many suspected: Palmeiras officials were furious after seeing Aiache’s Flamengo shirt photo. "They were already tense after the postponement on November 10," Lavieri said. "Then they saw the shirt. And the vote. It felt like a joke."
The Silence of the President
Leila Pereira, president of Palmeiras, had voiced concern after the hearing was delayed on November 10. She called for transparency. But after the verdict? Nothing. No press release. No statement. Not even a tweet. The silence speaks louder than any apology could. Sources inside the club say internal meetings were heated. One executive reportedly said, "We don’t need to say anything. The world will see what’s happening."Meanwhile, Flamengo celebrated. Their official channels posted a simple message: "Justice served." But for Palmeiras fans, justice is the last thing on their minds. It’s fairness. And right now, it feels like it’s sold to the highest bidder—or the most loyal fan.
What’s Next? The Roque Case Looms
The STJD hasn’t finished its work. The case of Vitor Roque is still pending. And if the tribunal hands down a harsh penalty—say, a three-game ban—for a post that was deleted within minutes, while letting Bruno Henrique off with a fine for a far more serious allegation, the backlash won’t just be online. It could spill into the stands. Palmeiras’ next home game against a top rival could turn into a protest. Signs are already being printed. Chants are being rehearsed."If they punish Vitor and let Bruno walk," said a Palmeiras fan group organizer, "we’ll bring the STJD’s entire credibility to the stadium. And we’ll bring cameras."
A System in Need of Reform
This isn’t the first time the STJD has been accused of inconsistency. In 2021, a Flamengo player received a 10-game ban for spitting at an opponent. In 2022, a Palmeiras player got just two games for the same offense. In 2020, a Corinthians player was suspended for social media comments, while a São Paulo FC player made nearly identical posts and got a warning. The pattern is clear: power, influence, and club loyalty seem to weigh more than rules.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has remained quiet. But pressure is mounting. Former referees, legal scholars, and even ex-STJD members are now calling for an independent audit. The STJD’s 15-member panel is appointed by the CBF and the Brazilian Football League. No transparency. No public voting records. No conflict-of-interest disclosures. In a country where football is religion, that’s not just a flaw—it’s a crisis.
What Fans Are Demanding
Palmeiras supporters aren’t just angry. They’re organizing. Online petitions have surpassed 200,000 signatures. A hashtag, #JusticaNoSTJD, is trending nationwide. Some are demanding the resignation of Rodrigo Aiache. Others want all STJD votes made public. A few are even calling for the tribunal to be dissolved and replaced with a civilian-led body."We’re not asking for special treatment," said one fan at a São Paulo protest on November 17. "We’re asking for the same treatment. That’s not too much to ask for a game we love."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bruno Henrique get a fine instead of a suspension?
His legal team successfully reclassified his charge from Article 112 (interfering with match results) to Article 124 (breach of competition regulations), which carries only fines under STJD guidelines. The change wasn’t explained publicly, and no evidence was presented to support the reclassification. Critics argue the shift was procedural manipulation to avoid mandatory suspensions.
How did Rodrigo Aiache’s Flamengo shirt affect the case?
The photo, posted publicly on his personal Instagram, showed Aiache wearing a Flamengo jersey during the week of the trial. While not illegal, it raised serious questions about impartiality, especially since he voted in favor of Flamengo’s position. Palmeiras officials called it a conflict of interest, and the image became central to accusations of bias in the tribunal’s decision-making.
Why is Palmeiras staying silent while fans protest?
Palmeiras’ leadership, including president Leila Pereira, has chosen institutional silence to avoid escalating tensions or risking further sanctions from the STJD. However, insiders confirm frustration runs high internally. The club is reportedly gathering legal and media evidence to challenge future rulings, but has not yet filed an official appeal.
What could happen to Vitor Roque, and how is his case connected?
Vitor Roque is under investigation for a deleted social media post interpreted as homophobic. Unlike Bruno Henrique’s case, there’s no evidence of external influence—just a quick deletion and public apology. But if the STJD imposes a multi-game ban on Roque while letting Henrique off with a fine, fans fear a clear double standard. The outcome could trigger legal challenges or mass protests at Palmeiras’ next match.
Has the STJD ever been restructured after past controversies?
Yes. After the 2013 "Operação Cadeia" scandal, where judges were caught taking bribes, the STJD was reformed with new appointment rules. But those reforms didn’t include transparency measures like public voting records or mandatory conflict-of-interest disclosures. Today’s critics say the system was patched, not fixed—and this case proves it.
What’s the broader impact on Brazilian football?
Trust in the integrity of Brazilian football is eroding. Sponsors are asking questions. Broadcasters are reviewing contracts. Young players are beginning to question whether fair play matters. If fans believe results are manipulated behind closed doors, the emotional and economic value of the sport itself is at risk. This isn’t just about Palmeiras or Flamengo—it’s about whether the game still means anything.