Court lifts suspension on Rio derby result
Rio de Janeiro, Oct 21 (IANS) A Brazilian sports tribunal has reversed a decision to suspend the result of Flamengo's 2-1 victory over local rivals Flamengo last week in a football match.
The Sports Justice Court said on Thursday a prosecutor investigating the Brazilian Serie A match had found there was no improper conduct by match officials, reports Xinhua.
"There is no longer a reason for the suspension and the case has been dropped," the court said in a statement late on Thursday.
The controversy surrounded a decision by referee Sandro Ricci to annul a Fluminense goal for offside in the second half of the match in Volta Redonda.
While the decision was correct, Fluminense claim Ricci acted on advice from outside officials, who had benefitted from seeing TV replays.
Football's laws prohibit officials from using video technology to influence decisions. The Court initially said it would adjudicate on the case within a month.
Thursday's decision leaves Flamengo just four points behind Serie A leaders Palmeiras with eight matches remaining in the season.
Flamengo are chasing their first league title since 2009 while Palmeiras have not won since 1994.
--IANS
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