Dubai: Al Wasl forwards Caio Correa and Fabio Lima have been suspended for Thursday’s derby with Al Nasr after appearing in a video on social media that was deemed “offensive and provocative”.

The 26-second clip that went viral showed a fan asking Caio and Lima what they would do to Al Nasr this Thursday, to which the pair replied with predictions of 5-0, followed by Lima performing a penguin dance, and Caio simulating a throat cutting motion.

While the throat cutting motion speaks for itself, the penguin dance refers to the location of Al Nasr’s stadium next to Al Nasr Leisureland, which has a swimming pool adorned with plastic penguins.


During derbies between the two sides that are situated either side of Shaikh Rashid Road in the Oud Mehta and Zabeel areas of Bur Dubai, the penguin has previously been used by some Al Wasl fans as a symbol of mockery to goad their Al Nasr rivals.

Caio and Lima have each been handed a two match ban and Dh20,000 fine by the UAE Football Association’s (UAE FA) disciplinary committee, and cannot appeal the decision because the suspension is less than four games.

Their absence will be a huge loss for top of the league Al Wasl, who have yet to lose in six games so far this season.

Thursday’s game is a home tie for fifth-placed Al Nasr, but due to the ongoing redevelopment of their stadium, they are playing their home matches elsewhere.

So far, they have been playing all home games at Al Wasl’s Zabeel Stadium, but with this being a game against Al Wasl, the fixture has been moved to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai’s Stadium in Al Ghusais (kick-off 7.45pm), so as not to give Al Wasl any unfair advantage.   

1.2116769_2032748460
Image Credit: Supplied
View gallery as list