Tottenham’s Richarlison (Hannah McKay, REUTERS)
A storm is brewing RicharlisonThe Brazilian striker finds himself in a complicated legal situation after being accused by his former personal assistant, Reginald Pereira, unfair dismissal. Pereira, 60, took the case to court, claiming that he was relieved of his duties without notice. This sudden dismissal has brought serious personal consequences for him, including the dissolution of his marriage.
As published The SunPereira, who has worked for Richarlison since the footballer moved to England from Brazil, says he feels used and unfairly sidelined. Despite offering his service 24 hours a day, he maintains he was not given any kind of warning or explanation before being sacked. “After I was sacked, I had to seek medical treatment to deal with the negative impacts of this toxic environment“Pereira explained. “My wife filed for divorce, I am emotionally affected and unemployed,” he added.
In his lawsuit, Pereira claims compensation of 95,000 poundsa figure that contrasts with the 130,000 pounds Pereira has accused Richarlison of failing to formally register him as an employee, instead paying him £500 a week directly into his bank account, without granting him paid holidays or other employment benefits. Documents submitted to the court include allegations of long working hours, excessive demands and verbal abuse, particularly from Richarlison’s father, Antonio Marcos de Andrade. Pereira also claims his responsibilities extended beyond his official duties as a personal assistant, including tasks such as caring for the footballer’s pets.
The Tottenham player (REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda)
“Richarlison and his family entrusted me with tasks that went far beyond what is reasonably expected of a personal assistant. They asked me to work endless hours and make decisions for them in personal and domestic matters,” Pereira said. According to her account, this level of work demands without formal recognition or benefits gradually undermined her emotional and physical well-being.
A preliminary hearing into the case is due to be held in Watford next month. This hearing will be crucial in determining whether Pereira’s claim has sufficient grounds to proceed to trial. Meanwhile, Richarlison has denied all allegations. A spokesman for the striker said: “The allegations are denied,” but declined to comment further.
So far, Richarlison has not spoken out about the situation that currently concerns him. His entourage has been the only one to deny the events of which he is accused, and which his now ex-assistant claims occurred. Meanwhile, Pereira will seek a court ruling that the case has sufficient grounds to go ahead. However, to find out how the case progresses we will have to wait a month, where both parties will present their version of the events. For the moment, the player continues with his profession, although he is sidelined by a muscle injury, which has kept him off the pitch for the last two games.
Images from the premises of the Valencia Civil Guard Headquarters where Rafa Mir, a Valencia CF footballer, is being held in custody following a complaint filed by a woman for alleged sexual assault. The complaint was filed by a 25-year-old woman who said she had suffered sexual assault together with another woman, aged 21, at the forward’s private home. Rafa Mir’s arrest took place yesterday as part of an investigation that has been declared secret by court order.
