Hugo Souza reports racist abuse during Corinthians’ Libertadores draw at Rosario Central | OneFootball

Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza reported racist abuse from the stands during Thursday's 0-0 draw at Rosario Central in the Copa Libertadores, prompting the referee to activate the anti-racism protocol.

"Here, unfortunately, it is like this every time. It is the whole game, being called 'mono' and 'negro de me***'. The only thing I can do is tell the referee, keep my head in the game and hope it changes one day," he told ESPN Brasil.

Officials applied the three-step procedure for suspected discrimination, and authorities will investigate. Ángel Di María asked home fans to stop, and the stadium announcer issued anti-racism warnings.

Stage one allows the referee to halt play after a report or if they witness an incident. Stage two suspends the game with PA or screen explanations and a warning that abandonment may follow, and teams can be sent off the pitch. If it persists, the match ends and the team linked to the offender could receive a walkover defeat after disciplinary review.

During the match no official details were provided on the content of Hugo Souza's initial report or on any individuals allegedly involved.

The incident came in the week Conmebol published a manual on identifying and preventing discriminatory conduct in South American football, produced by its task force with definitions, statistics, examples and guidance.

Corinthians now turn back to the Campeonato Brasileiro, hosting Cruzeiro at Neo Química Arena on Sunday at 19:30 in the 23rd round.

Source: Meu Timao

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”