Corinthians players protest the return of Santos boss Kleiton Lima despite 19 harassment allegations being made against him as they cover their mouths
- Kleiton Lima left Santos in September after players accused him of harassment
- Anonymous letters were published in a report by Brazilian media outlet Globe Ge
- Lima, however, has claimed he had been the victim of slander and defamation
Corinthians players covered their mouths before a league match in protest at the return of Santos manager Kleiton Lima despite numerous harassment allegations.
Lima left Santos in September after 19 different players accused him of harassment in a series of anonymous letters published by Brazilian media outlet Globo Ge.
After an investigation by the club, however, Lima was permitted to return and took charge of his side's Brasileiro Feminino fixture against Corinthians on Friday night.
Ahead of kick-off, the Corinthians squad took a stand by covering up their mouths.
Powerful footage broadcast live on TV showed the starting XI standing in line, with some players holding a hand over their mouths and others over their ears.
![Corinthians players covered their mouths in protest at the return of Santos coach Kleiton Lima](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/14/12/83615505-13306677-image-a-60_1713092918716.jpg)
Corinthians players covered their mouths in protest at the return of Santos coach Kleiton Lima
![Lima (right) has been accused of harassment by 19 different players in anonymous letters](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/14/12/83615493-13306677-image-a-61_1713092921732.jpg)
Lima (right) has been accused of harassment by 19 different players in anonymous letters
The camera then cut to a shot of the bench, where substitutes performed the same gesture. In the background, members of staff were also seen covering their mouths.
The protest, which Santos' players did not repeat against their manager, also took place during the match between Avai/Kindermann and Palmeiras.
In the official pre-match photo, the players wearing the No 19 shirts for both teams turned their back on each other while their team-mates covered their mouths.
Santos claimed to have proven the 'untruth' of the allegations during their probe.
But those that made complaints have denied being approached by the club during the investigation and reported feeling helpless and in fear over the alleged events.
![Players held their hands over their mouths ahead of kick-off in footage broadcast live on TV](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/14/12/83615495-13306677-image-a-62_1713092950746.jpg)
Players held their hands over their mouths ahead of kick-off in footage broadcast live on TV
![Substitutes and members of Corinthians' coaching staff also performed the powerful gesture](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/14/12/83615497-13306677-image-a-63_1713092954414.jpg)
Substitutes and members of Corinthians' coaching staff also performed the powerful gesture
'Those frivolous letters never applied to me. I left the club to wait for Santos to carry out their investigation. There is no formal accusation against me in court,' Lima said.
He added that he had asked club director Alexandre Gallo to investigate the case and to open an inquiry to determine who had written the anonymous letters.
Lima has also claimed that he has been the victim of slander and defamation.
The 49-year-old, who has coached for over 25 years, is now in his third stint in charge of Santos' women's team. He has won several titles at the club.