Hugo Souza suffers racist abuse, Portuguesa vow to punish fans

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Central do Timão

·23 February 2026

Hugo Souza suffers racist abuse, Portuguesa vow to punish fans

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians secured a spot in the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista by defeating Portuguesa in a penalty shootout, 8-7, last Sunday night (22), at Estádio do Canindé, in a quarterfinal match. After the final whistle, goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who was a standout in the team's qualification, was subjected to racist abuse from fans of the home team.

According to footage released by Jovem Pan Esportes, the goalkeeper was insulted while leaving the pitch towards the locker rooms, after giving interviews and speaking with influencers. Still in the stands, at least two fans called the player “favelado” (slum dweller) and “piolhento” (lousy), in addition to shouting phrases like “cut that hair” and “toothless.”

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Even with military police officers present at the scene, the insults continued until another fan tried to calm the situation, asking for the aggression to stop. The episode only ended when Hugo Souza entered the tunnel leading to the locker rooms. Since the incident occurred after the end of the match, there was no official record in the match report, as referee Raphael Claus and his team were no longer on the field.

The Portuguesa board has scheduled a meeting to investigate and identify the fans responsible for the racist abuse directed at goalkeeper Hugo Souza at the end of last Sunday’s match at Estádio do Canindé. In addition, the club made an official statement this Monday (23) expressing support for the Corinthians player.

“We repudiate racism and all forms of prejudice, and we stand in solidarity with Hugo Souza. We will have a board meeting shortly to align some points, such as identifying those who made the insults and possible punishment if they are members,” Portuguesa told Lance! through its press office.

In regular time, Portuguesa and Corinthians drew 1-1. Still in the first half, Hugo Souza saved a penalty taken by Renê. Shortly after, Zé Vitor put the home team ahead. In stoppage time of the second half, Vitinho received a cross from Matheuzinho, controlled the ball in the box, dribbled past Zé Vitor himself, and finished into the top corner, leveling the score and taking the decision to penalties.

In the alternating penalty kicks, after nine attempts for each side, Corinthians emerged victorious by 8-7. Once again, Hugo Souza was decisive by saving the shots from Renê and later from Cauari.

With the spot secured, the Parque São Jorge team will face Novorizontino in the semifinals of the State Championship. The match is scheduled for Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi, known as Jorjão, in Novo Horizonte, next weekend, although the official date has not yet been confirmed. In the other semifinal, Palmeiras and São Paulo will compete for the other spot in the final.

Before focusing on the knockout stage, however, Corinthians turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. This Wednesday, at 8 p.m., the team led by Dorival Júnior faces Cruzeiro at Mineirão, for the fourth round of the national competition.

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