Brazil manager Tite believes Argentina showed a disrespect in the decision-making process that saw four players violate coronavirus rules prior to the doomed qualification for Sunday’s World Cup.
The match was suspended mid-match due to Argentine Premier League players apparently violating Brazil’s coronavirus restrictions.
Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso started the match, with Brazilian health officials entering the field after the match began. A scrum ensued before Argentina left the field and did not return.
Due to the pandemic, Brazil is temporarily restricting entry to travelers from the UK if they have spent time in the country in the previous two weeks. Selecao had attempted to summon nine players from the English top flight, but none of those selected traveled as Premier League clubs united in a deal not to release players.
Since then, FIFA has launched an investigation into the interruption of the match, with the opening of disciplinary proceedings against the national associations of both Argentina and Brazil.
Although Tite would prefer health officials not to storm the pitch, he also believes football shouldn’t think it’s above the law.
When asked what would be the “fair” decision regarding the outcome of the match, he said: “The right decision is to respect the laws. The right decision is to put people’s health first. The right decision is that sport is important but it has a scale of importance where health is highest.The laws are above that [football].
“I wish the match had taken place, [but] we need laws and to abide by those laws. Football is not above that. It must be respected. We are dealing with lives. It’s about health.
“Coming here and going beyond the laws and getting around situations… this doesn’t happen. Obviously I wish the game was successful.
“I can’t judge what happened. I don’t know enough to know what was done and what time it was done. I can’t judge him and I shouldn’t judge him.
“But to be above the law, you have to have some respect. Respect for the entity, for a country, for its people, for a club, for a national team. Calm and respect ».