Ajax star David Neres released by Brazilian police after he was arrested for breaking Covid restrictions at an illegal 124-person party in underground nightclub in Sao Paulo
- Ajax star David Neres was arrested on Friday morning at an illegal party in Brazil
- The 24-year-old forward was one of 124 people at a nightclub in Sao Paulo at 2am
- Sao Paulo defender Robert Arboleda was also present at the illegal party
- Neres was released without warning with Arboleda after giving statements
Ajax star David Neres has been released by police with a warning after being arrested at an illegal 124-person party in Brazil on Friday which contravened coronavirus rules.
Police were called to a nightclub party in Sao Paulo at around 2am on Friday morning with Neres and fellow footballer Robert Arboleda the two footballers arrested by police at the event.
Neres was released by police later on Friday and while it is not known whether the Ajax man was charged or not, a spokesman claimed the 24-year-old was handed the warning.
Ajax star David Neres was arrested at a 124-person party in Brazil on Friday and has been released with a warning
Neres (above) was pictured being arrested at the nightclub at 2am in the early hours of Friday
‘He was literally outside the police station within five minutes and got off with a warning,’ said the spokesman. ‘Several people were taken to establish their identity and record data.’
Event and concert venues in Sao Paulo are not allowed to be open past 9pm and the owner of the nightclub tried to get everyone to wear masks – but 15 of the guests were unable to do so by the time the police arrived.
The owner of the club is facing a fine of £27,000, while Neres and Arboleda were asked to give testimonies to the police.
Sao Paulo defender Robert Arboleda was also at the same party and was arrested as well
Politician Alexandre Frota claimed the two footballers ‘should be setting an example’, while police chief Eduardo Brotero also expressed his disappointment in the rule breakers.
Speaking about the incident on Friday morning, Brotero said: ‘It’s regrettable that we still need to make these types of raids. Young people still insist on gathering despite the pandemic.
‘I urge them to wait a few months before enjoying their parties. This is not yet the time.’
Neres (right) was asked to give statements to the police about the nightclub event in Sao Paulo
Ajax have yet to make a statement regarding Neres’ involvement in the illegal party but Sao Paulo have insisted Arboleda will not be a part of club side Sao Paulo’s plans this week until he tests negative for coronavirus.
‘Sao Paulo regrets what happened to the player Robert Arboleda, this morning, in the East Zone of the capital,’ a statement read.
‘In view of this fact, the athlete will be isolated in the coming days, being tested daily until we are convinced that he was not infected.
‘The player will be fined, and the administrative punishment converted into basic baskets donated to the G10 Favelas.’
Neres is back in Brazil after his title-winning season with Ajax came to an end this month
In a personal statement, Arboleda said: ‘I would like to apologise to everyone for what happened this morning. Impulsively, I made a decision that I know is not the best.
‘Of course, I am aware of the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, as well as in my home country, Ecuador, and I reiterate that I made a wrong and impulsive decision to come to the scene, even though I took all the necessary precautions and wore a mask all the time.’
Neres played a key role in Ajax’s Eredivisie title win this season, playing 25 league games for the Dutch giants, scoring three goals and putting on five assists.