Fortaleza apologise to São Paulo but take no action over racism incident | OneFootball

Fortaleza made a statement on Wednesday night (13) regarding the case of racial slur that occurred in a match of its under-20 team against São Paulo, which won 2-0 in the Copa do Brasil match of the category.

The team from Ceará said it “stands in solidarity with the athlete Djhordney, number 8 of São Paulo, victim of racial slur in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil Under-20,” confirming the accusations of racism made by the São Paulo team in the match.

“During the match, Fortaleza approached São Paulo representatives to apologize for the conduct of a Tricolor athlete.

As a club known for its actions against racism, Fortaleza reiterates its stance against prejudice, a cause so important in our society,” said the official statement from the northeastern club.

UNDERSTAND THE CASE

The regrettable incident occurred at 26 minutes into the first half. Matheus Ferreira and the Chilean Rocco, from Ceará, began to argue and the rival allegedly said “shut up, you monkey,” according to reports from the São Paulo delegation. The racial slur was directed at midfielder Djhordney.

Referee Paulo Vitor de Lima Pereira promptly initiated FIFA's anti-racism protocol, but four minutes later, after much complaint and little resolution, the match continued normally without any punishment. Rocco was substituted and did not return for the second half for Fortaleza.

Despite the solidarity and apologies, Fortaleza did not announce any measure or educational action against the young athlete. Once again, an apology note, and the game goes on.

SÃO PAULO TAKES ACTION

São Paulo also issued a statement of repudiation after the regrettable case of racism that occurred in the match of its under-20 team. The Tricolor spoke firmly and promised to take appropriate measures following the sad episode that occurred in Ceará.

“São Paulo Futebol Clube vehemently repudiates the act of racism against player Djhordney during the match against Fortaleza, this Wednesday, in the Copa do Brasil Under-20.”

“There is no place for racism in football or anywhere else in society. The club will provide all necessary support to the athlete and will take appropriate measures in light of this repugnant episode of discrimination,” said the official statement from the club.

After the Tricolor's victory, the team's defender and captain Andrade did not mince words and demanded punishment for Rocco.

“We can no longer admit this. He needs to go from here to the police station. We need to address this as soon as possible. I didn't hear it, but my friends did,” explained São Paulo's number 4.

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