Willian José will miss Bahia’s Campeonato Brasileiro match against Cruzeiro after being left out of the squad for a second consecutive game. The team traveled to Belo Horizonte on Wednesday without the striker ahead of Thursday’s 34th-round fixture.
The decision follows the backlash over a video Willian José shared that included criticism of Brazil’s Northeast. He was also left out of Bahia’s squad to face São Paulo the previous week, with the club saying the move gave him time away from contact with supporters.
Bahia football director Cadu Santoro called the incident a serious mistake. Coach Rogério Ceni said the club had opted to leave the player out and described the period as time for reflection, adding that Willian José should try to explain and address what had happened.
Willian José later apologized in a statement posted on social media. He said he had not intended to belittle or disrespect the Northeast, adding that he was proud to be from the region and was not xenophobic.
Cruzeiro and Bahia are scheduled to meet at Mineirão at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time on Thursday. The match is a direct contest between teams seeking a place in the group stage of the following Libertadores.
Sources: Globo Esporte.