Ronaldinho Gaúcho will miss Atlético Mineiro’s clash with Internacional after being handed a one match ban for violent conduct.
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Ronaldinho, 32, was found guilty by a video review panel of raising his foot in a tackle on Grêmio’s Kleber in a match on September 23.
This comes despite the referee not even giving Ronaldinho a caution at the time.
Atlético Mineiro lawyer Joao Avelar told reporters: “There was no violent conduct whatsoever.
“Nobody from Grêmio complained. The game continued as normal and there was no ill-feeling at all between the players.
“The referee didn’t even issue a yellow card, let alone a red.”
This puts a cast over Ronaldinho’s recent run of form after his stunning hat trick performance against Figueirense despite the death of his stepfather, Vanderlei.
Atlético Mineiro will now have to prepare for their clash with Internacional on Thursday without their star player.
Ronaldinho will return to the side for the game against Sport Recife on Sunday.
