Last night at Pituaçu Stadium, an event meant to celebrate Women of Steel’s ascent to Brazil’s top football division ended in controversy. Suelen, a Tricolor defender, faced racial slurs from the opposing team’s coach during the match.
⏯️ Jogo do Bahia termina em confusão e prisão de técnico
Hugo Duarte, do JC, teria proferido o termo “macaca” contra a zagueira Suelen, do Bahia em partida da Série A2 do Brasileirão Feminino
Leia: https://t.co/QQpXD7CBY6 pic.twitter.com/Y2AMQ4k8Z2
— Metrópoles (@Metropoles) July 10, 2024
The coach, caught using the term “monkey,” incited immediate action; the match referee called in the Military Police who then detained him for questioning.
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Following the incident, Suelen publicly condemned the attack on her social media, declaring, “The act of denunciation is my weapon against racism.” This statement sparked widespread support from her club and fans alike. Esporte Clube Bahia quickly expressed solidarity with Suelen, emphasizing the need for a severe response to the grave offense.
NOTA OFICIAL
O que deveria ser uma noite apenas de comemoração pelo acesso das Mulheres de Aço à elite do futebol brasileiro acabou manchada por episódio lamentável no estádio de Pituaçu.
Ao final da partida, a zagueira tricolor Suelen foi alvo de ofensa racial praticada pelo… pic.twitter.com/AkFZMBPLnp
— Esporte Clube Bahia (@ecbahia) July 9, 2024
On the legal front, the coach’s attorney, Diogo Benevides, asserted his client’s innocence and anticipated a swift release. “He denies authorship of the remarks,” Benevides explained, indicating a potential misunderstanding that led to his client’s arrest.
Last night’s racial slur at Pituaçu Stadium goes against the constitution’s call for equality. It is an action which resulted in jail term in the past. The sports world now watches as the case moves to court, hoping for justice to be done.
