After destroying his brand new Ferrari, Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal will not be banned from his National Team. Coach Jorge Sampaoli denied any disciplinary action against Juve's player, despite heavy criticism by fans and media around the world. Sampaoli justified the player's actions, since the events happened during the few hours of down time he granted to the whole squad.
"Arturo Vidal made a mistake, but it's not decisive for us to exclude him from the team. Arturo has always behaved correctly with us, I'm sure it's only a mistake that can be overlooked," Sampaoli said.
Chilean journalists questioned the coach's decision, since he is not taking the same action as before, when he decided to ban Charles Aranguiz for not showing up on time to a team meeting. Furthermore, Jorge Valdivia and Mauricio Pinilla were also out drinking during the team's Copa América performance in 2011, being banned from the National Team for their behaviour.
Chilean authorities determined to strip Vidal from his driver's license for a year, and he will have to sign documents at the Chilean embassy in Italy (or wherever he ends up playing next year) to prove he is sober.
Earlier today, a video from the incident emerged. Vidal's drunken words can be heard, even indicating the officer "You can put your handcuffs on me, but you're going to f**k the whole of Chile!"
Watch: Drunken Arturo Vidal argues with Chilean policemen
Fans blasted Chilean authorities for being too "soft", since he could have been incarcerated for 541 days, depending the amount of alcohol found in his system.
"In the words of Faith No More..."
Como lo dijo alguna vez Faith no more "King for a day fool for a lifetime" #Vidal
— Pablo Ibáñez C. (@Pibanez80) June 17, 2015
"So disappointed #Vidal. How irresponsible and unprofessional!! Stand up to the consequences.
Qué decepción #Vidal !!! Qué actitud más irresponsable y poco profesional!!! A asumir las consecuencias ahora. #tristepormichilelindo
— Vivi Rodrigues (@vivirodriguesof) June 17, 2015
Take away the moral issues from Vidal's case. 1. Let justice be done 2. Let "La Roja" ban him for his indiscipline and that's it."
Quítenle la moralidad al caso #Vidal. 1.Que la justicia actúe sin hacer diferencia. 2.Que la roja lo suspenda por su indisciplina y ya.
— Edu Saracho (@saracho_) June 17, 2015
"Vidal is the typical dude with money. When they get in trouble, they think they're above the system because they have money (and fame, in this case)"
#Vidal es el típico roto con plata.A la primera que tiene problemas, cree que está sobre todo y todos por tener dinero (y fama en este caso)
— Chris (@ChrisOkl) June 17, 2015
#Vidal Court accepts public prosecutor request of withholding of license and monthly signing at Chile consulate in Milan
— Peter Staunton (@petermstaunton) June 17, 2015
Crushing a Ferari should be more of a crime than drunk-driving....no? #Vidal
— Francis Gaitho (@Kenyafootball) June 17, 2015
"It was all my fault"-- Arturo Vidal
After being released from jail, where he had to spend the night, Vidal returned to Chile's training grounds. In a tearful statement, the player asked fans to forgive him for his irresponsible behaviour.
"I was at the casino, I had two drinks and then put at risk the lives of my wife and others. I apologise to my teammates, the staff, the people and to all of Chile. The accident was my fault. It was all my fault. I let everyone down. I will give my all to win the Copa America," Vidal stated.
The Chilean team will face Bolivia this Friday with their sights set on winning Group A.
