Fred asks not to be played after drinking episode
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brazil striker Fred asked Fluminense not to pick him for the club's match against Internacional on Thursday, claiming psychological problems after being pursued by fans who found him drinking in a Rio bar.
Fred, who played for Brazil at last month's Copa America in Argentina, would have been in the starting line-up for the Brazilian championship match.
"The athlete asked not to be chosen for tonight's game, against Internacional, at the Engenhao (Olympic stadium). Fred claimed he was not fit psychologically to play because he felt threatened, in view of the episode ... in a southern area restaurant on Tuesday," Fluminense said in a statement.
According to media reports, Fred and team mate Rafael Moura were seen by fans drinking 'caipirinhas' - a Brazilian cocktail - in the company of women in the early hours of Wednesday in a bar in the Rio beach district of Ipanema.
After leaving the bar with their companions, Fred and Moura were pursued in their cars by the fans, who felt aggrieved to see the players out drinking before a match, local media said.
Source: Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments