Miguel Guedes: No buts in fighting racism in Prestianni v Vinícius Jr | OneFootball

Miguel Guedes, a well-known FC Porto supporter, delivered harsh criticism regarding the way part of the media and several key figures in Portuguese football reacted to the alleged episode of racism involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Jr. during the match between Benfica and Real Madrid.

The commentator believes there were “pages and images of shame” in the handling of the case, pointing out a difference in standards when compared to other recent incidents in Portuguese football, namely what happened with Marega in Guimarães. For Miguel Guedes, some people are quicker to condemn certain cases over others, something he associates with the “color of the jerseys” and the inability to take a firm stand against racist behavior.

In his analysis, the problem goes beyond football, reflecting a broader social reality. He argues that there should be zero tolerance for racism and criticizes the tendency to downplay or minimize similar situations, instead of recognizing the mistake, expressing regret, and apologizing.

Guedes also points out failures in the way Benfica managed the international repercussions of the case, considering it worrying that there was a lack of preparation given the media attention associated with figures like Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid, and UEFA.

The Porto supporter also criticizes the reactions of various football figures, including José Mourinho, for – according to him – following a line of minimizing what happened. For Miguel Guedes, this kind of stance ends up having a social impact, especially among young people, by normalizing behaviors that should be clearly condemned.

Even so, he leaves a final note of hope, believing that some of the protagonists may reflect and correct the way they address these types of situations in the future.

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