Leo Coelho (foto: Instagram)
Amazonas dismissed defender Leo Coelho after he sued the club over unpaid wages, then posted a farewell video featuring only his costly mistakes.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Amazonas FC have sparked widespread criticism after producing one of the most controversial farewell videos seen in football following the departure of veteran defender Leo Coelho.
The Brazilian third-tier club terminated the 33-year-old's contract shortly after he filed legal action over unpaid wages and benefits. According to reports in Brazil, Coelho claims the club owes him five months of salary as well as unpaid social security contributions, with his lawsuit reportedly seeking around €1.4 million.
Amazonas, who were relegated from Brazil's Serie B last season, are already enduring a difficult campaign and currently sit near the bottom of the league table. Off-field problems have now overshadowed their struggles on the pitch.
The club initially published what appeared to be a respectful farewell message on Instagram.
"Leo Coelho is leaving the club after 39 matches and two goals scored in the black and gold shirt. The club thanks the defender for his dedication and professionalism on and off the pitch," the statement read.
However, the accompanying video told a completely different story.
Instead of highlighting Coelho's best moments, tackles or goals, Amazonas released a compilation showing four of his biggest defensive mistakes, each of which led directly to goals conceded by the team. The unusual tribute quickly went viral and drew heavy criticism from supporters and football fans, many describing the club's actions as unprofessional and vindictive.
The incident has intensified attention on Amazonas' financial situation. Coelho is not the only player pursuing legal action against the club over alleged unpaid wages. Reports indicate that Renan, Fabiano, Gabriel Cipriano, Erick Varão and Jorge Jiménez have also launched legal proceedings over outstanding payments.
While contract disputes are not uncommon in football, publicly mocking a departing player in an official farewell video is highly unusual. The episode has become one of the most talked-about stories in Brazilian football, with many questioning the club's professionalism and treatment of its own players.