Hugo Souza urges action after racist abuse: "Take it seriously" | OneFootball

Goalkeeper Hugo Souza spoke out for the first time after being the target of racist abuse from some fans following Corinthians’ qualification for the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista. Timão won on penalties and eliminated Portuguesa at Canindé last Sunday.

As he left the pitch, the player was subjected to insults such as: “Toothless, starving”; “Go cut your hair, you lice-ridden”; and “Slum dweller.” In a statement released on social media, Hugo Souza condemned the racist abuse and called for the necessary investigations in the legal sphere.

“Racism is a crime and needs to be treated with the seriousness it demands. Episodes like this cannot be downplayed, normalized, or ignored,” the goalkeeper emphasized.

(Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

Corinthians, Portuguesa, and the FPF (Paulista Football Federation) also released official statements condemning the racist abuse directed at Hugo Souza. Lusa promised to punish those involved.

Timão’s football director, Marcelo Paz, spoke to the press this Monday at the FPF Technical Council and also expressed support for the team’s number 1 goalkeeper.

“I hope the case is thoroughly investigated in the legal sphere and that exemplary measures are taken. Combating racism is everyone’s responsibility,” Hugo Souza concluded in his statement.

Read the full statement released by the goalkeeper:

“On Sunday night (22), after the match against Portuguesa, I was the target of a racist act as I was leaving the stadium. This is a serious situation that goes beyond any sporting limits and strikes at fundamental principles of respect, dignity, and equality.

Racism is a crime and needs to be treated with the seriousness it demands. Episodes like this cannot be downplayed, normalized, or ignored. Unfortunately, this is still a reality faced by many Black people every day, both inside and outside of sports.

I vehemently repudiate any prejudiced behavior and reaffirm my commitment to the fight for a fairer and more conscious society. Football should be a space for passion, competition, and unity—never for discrimination.

I hope the case is thoroughly investigated in the legal sphere and that exemplary measures are taken. Combating racism is everyone’s responsibility“.

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