Vasco da Gama AC drew 1-1 with Vero Clube, but lost on penalties at Taca de Brasil. The match featured the re-emergence of goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes, currently on parole and serving a sentence for the murder of his son’s mother.
Most of the crowd at Rio Branco’s Arena da Floresta showed their support for the 41-year-old goalkeeper, mainly by cheering after each save.
Despite the negative pre-match reaction, Vasco da Gama AC even losing sponsors after confirming the signing of the killer goalkeeper, Bruno’s re-emergence in the Brazilian Cup after 17 years had no problems.
Vasco’s support for three soccer players accused of gang rape sparks controversy
Vasco (AC) players posed for official photos in the shirts of Requinho, Serpa and Brian, who are accused of raping two women, at the club’s headquarters.
Provisional arrest warrants had been issued for the three.
Bruno Fernandes: penalty shootout fears, saves and protagonists
Bruno was the biggest scare of the match, as he required several minutes of treatment. According to the medical team, the goalkeeper experienced a drop in blood pressure.
The veteran goalkeeper played a solid game, but was unable to prevent his team from losing in the penalty shootout (3-2).
Bruno Fernandes saved penalties from Lucas Mingoti and Rodrigo Oliveira and also converted Bello Clube’s fifth penalty.
The killer goalkeeper, who had not featured in the Copa do Brasil since 2009 when he was still a Flamengo player, had yet to be sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for the aggravated murder of model Eliza Samudio.
