体坛英语新闻：Scolari: "Fans have right to call me stupid"

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says he deserves to be called "stupid" following Palmeiras' 0-0 draw with 10-man Gremio in Brazil's Serie A championship on Saturday.

Scolari's team appeared set for victory at Sao Paulo's Pacaembu Stadium when Gremio striker Kleber was shown a red card for his second bookable offence after just 17 minutes.

Despite dominating possession for most of the match, Palmeiras could find no way through the Gremio defence and remain entrenched in the relegation zone with 17 points from 21 matches.

"Fans have every right to call me stupid," Scolari said. "The team isn't playing well but I'm the one who selects the starting line-up and creates the tactics so I have to bear the responsibility.

"The situation is now getting serious. We are in the relegation zone and the chances of us going to Serie B are real. We need to turn things around quickly."

Despite the possibility of relegation, Palmeiras are guaranteed a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores - South Americas's most prestigious club competition - by virtue of winning this year's Copa do Brasil.