GOLAZONEWSJhon Arias targeted by Fluminense fans during Libertadores semifinal
- Palmeiras defeated Fluminense 2-1 in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal.
- Former Fluminense player Jhon Arias faced hostility from fans at the Maracanã.
- Vitor Roque remains sidelined for Palmeiras due to an ankle injury.
Palmeiras secured a 2-1 victory against Fluminense in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores semifinal at the Maracanã. The match saw significant hostility directed toward Palmeiras player Jhon Arias. Having won the tournament with the Tricolor in 2023, the Colombian was jeered by home supporters throughout the game and labeled a "Judas," with a giant shirt bearing the word displayed outside the stadium. Arias responded to the criticism by suggesting the fans have "amnesia."
Former Palmeiras striker Washington, who was the top scorer of the 2006 Libertadores, was spotted in the stands cheering for the visitors. The club has since returned to São Paulo to prepare for their upcoming Campeonato Brasileiro match against Athletico-PR.
Regarding squad availability, Vitor Roque continues to receive treatment for a right ankle sprain sustained during the match against Corinthians and remains a doubt for upcoming fixtures. Fluminense now faces the challenge of overturning the deficit in the return leg at Nubank Parque.