Filipe Luís hits out after remarks on Vini Jr racism case

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·23 February 2026

Filipe Luís hits out after remarks on Vini Jr racism case

What did Filipe Luís say about the statement made after the Flamengo vs. Lanús (ARG) match?

Filipe Luís held a press conference after the Flamengo match against Lanús (ARG) and, therefore, commented on the racism incident involving Vini Jr. However, the statement was negatively received. For this reason, the coach took advantage of Sunday's (22) interview to provide clarification.

What was Filipe Luís's statement?

“First, I want to clarify my words, which were widely misinterpreted in the last press conference I gave. At no time was my intention to downplay the racism incident or the racist act, nor to disrespect the victim in this case. Quite the opposite. I stand with Vinícius. I, Flamengo, stand with Vinícius. I have great affection and admiration for him. I know that as a coach, my public stance generates a lot of expectations and maybe I didn’t explain clearly. I repudiate racism, I condemn the racist act. Racism is a crime. As I said a day before, to a media outlet, if he did this, it is not up to me to judge. If he did, he should pay dearly. It’s easy for me to speak, to make a t-shirt, everything is very easy. The hard part is punishing. So, if he did it, he should pay, let that be very clear. Another thing I want to make very clear is the word I used. ‘Isolated’ case. One of your colleagues asked how Flamengo was treated during visits to Argentina. I meant an isolated case, that isolated case, that happened in that game. That there are more cases, obviously there are. Argentina, Portugal, Brazil. I love my country, but there are cases of racism, homophobia, sexism, corruption. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love my country. Just as I also like Argentina. I wanted to express a specific case, that’s the word. I was sad, disappointed, because it wasn’t easy for me to come after losing the game and come to a press conference and answer a question and have everything be perfect. I wanted to make that very clear to you, and say once again that we stand with Vini. Flamengo always supports all of Vini's causes. I just wanted to clarify this because I was quite saddened by all the repercussions that happened, and you know me. But it’s okay, I hope it’s clarified and let’s move forward.”

What was Filipe Luís's first statement about the racism incident?

In a press conference after the Flamengo match against Lanús (ARG), Filipe Luís responded about racism incidents, specifically during trips to Argentina. Thus, the coach stated that he has always been treated well and highlighted Vini Jr's case as “isolated.”

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— I have always been treated very well, Argentina enchants me. I am very happy here, very well received. I only have good words for Argentina. An isolated case like this does not influence anything about what I think of this country, which is so beautiful -, he said.

What is Flamengo's next match?

With Filipe Luís, Flamengo, therefore, focuses its attention on the match against Lanús on Thursday (26), for the return leg of the Recopa Sudamericana. The match is scheduled for 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at Maracanã.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.