Clayson striker is accused of assaulting woman and dismissed by Cuiabá

Hours before facing Santos, for the Brazilian Championship, this Thursday (9), Cuiabá announced the termination of the contract of striker Clayson, 25. He and midfielder Rafael Gava, 28, were accused of bodily injury by a woman of 22 years old, according to the club. The case is being investigated by the Civil Police of Mato Grosso.

“When confronting the players, the direction heard the confession of Clayson’s participation in the regrettable episode”, says the statement from Cuiabá. The player has not officially commented on the matter and has not been located so far. Gava claims that he was at home with his family on the night that the assault would have occurred. The exact date was not disclosed, but the complaint was made last Tuesday night (7).

Clayson, revealed by União São João and with passages in Ituano, Ponte Preta, Corinthians and Bahia, was removed from the concentration in Santos, where the team’s delegation was preparing to play in Vila Belmiro.

According to information from Cuiabá, based on data that would have been provided by the Mato Grosso police, the case took place at a motel in the state capital where, according to the victim, three men and two women were said. Also according to the account, the girl was attacked with a broken bottle.

The victim is admitted to a hospital in the capital of Mato Grosso and was heard by the police this Wednesday (9).

Read below the note from Cuiabá:

“The Cuiabá Esporte Clube informs that it became aware yesterday of the existence of a police report in which athletes Clayson and Rafael Gava are accused of bodily harm to a young woman.

When confronting the players, the direction heard the confession of Clayson’s participation in the lamentable episode. Rafael Gava, on the other hand, had his version of being at home with family members confirmed by his colleague.

Cuiabá deeply regrets what happened and has already informed Clayson that his conduct outside the field is unacceptable and that he will terminate his relationship immediately. The athlete, who belongs to EC Bahia, was excluded yesterday from the group that faces Santos today, in Vila Belmiro, for the last round of the Brazilian Championship.

Regarding the athlete Rafael Gava, Cuiabá will await the conclusion of the investigations to decide what action will be taken.

The Mato Grosso club publicly reaffirms its repudiation of any and all forms of violence and harassment, especially against women, and will contribute to ascertaining the facts and responsibilities.”

Read below the note released by Rafael Gava:

“I hereby come to inform you that I expressly had no connection with the episode of alleged bodily harm to a young woman, which became public in recent days.
As already explained in the official statement from Cuiabá EC, I reaffirm that at the time of the episode, I was at home with my family.

I reiterate that I am available for any investigation that may be carried out by the competent authorities.

I clarify that I am expressly against any and all violence and harassment, especially against women.

Finally, I emphasize that my commitment and focus at this time is solely and exclusively to keep Cuiabá EC in the A series of the Brazilian Championship, honoring this shirt as I have always done since I was at this club.”