Rival idol apologises to Corinthians keeper and fiancée over racism row

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Central do Timão

·24 February 2026

Rival idol apologises to Corinthians keeper and fiancée over racism row

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Palmeiras idol, former goalkeeper Marcos, has spoken out to apologize to Hugo Souza and the Corinthians player's fiancée, Rauany Barcellos, following the backlash from a comment made on social media about the racist attacks suffered by the goalkeeper.

On Monday, Marcos reacted with laughing emojis and the acronym “PQP” on a post discussing the racist insults directed at Hugo by Portuguesa fans. The insults occurred last Sunday at the Canindé Stadium after Timão's qualification for the semifinals of the Paulista Championship.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Following the former player's remarks, Rauany used her official Instagram profile to counter the comment and defend her fiancé.

“Hi, Marcos! I saw your comment making fun of a serious post about what happened. I wanted you to tell me, based on your entire professional career (which I believe includes many experiences), how many times you heard fans calling you lice-ridden, slum-dweller, asking you to cut your hair, calling you dirty, toothless, etc... Or better yet: how many times have your children faced prejudice at school because of your appearance, hair, skin color, or social class... Because I genuinely want to understand the reason for the laughter, tell us!! Kisses”, wrote Rauany.

Shortly after, Marcos issued an apology. He stated that he interpreted the situation as a common provocation between rival fans and admitted that he viewed the content superficially.

“Hi, Rauany Barcellos. I glanced at the post and thought it was a joke from the opposing fans, and that you would take it lightly. But if you felt offended, I apologize to you and Hugo Souza for my comment. It won't happen again”, posted Marcos.

The incident involving Hugo Souza comes in a week marked by other cases of racism in football. Real Madrid's forward, Vinícius Júnior, was targeted by Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica during a UEFA Champions League match.

In Asia, Denílson Jr., who plays for Ratchaburi FC, also reported similar attacks. Additionally, players from Premier League clubs have shared racist messages they received recently on social media.

Also on Monday, Coritiba's player, Lucas Ronier, shared a photo celebrating his son's ten months of life. Among the comments, a man posted monkey emojis accompanied by the phrase: “Get out of Curitiba, Monkey.”

Recall the case

Hugo Souza was subjected to racial abuse as he left the field at Canindé Stadium on Sunday night. While heading towards the locker room, two Portuguesa fans remaining in the stands insulted him with terms like “slum-dweller,” “toothless,” “starving,” “lice-ridden,” and “go cut that hair.”

In an official statement, Portuguesa condemned the incident and announced that they are working to identify those responsible, apply appropriate punishments, and cooperate with authorities. Corinthians also took a firm stance against the attacks, emphasizing that the expressions used are historically linked to structural racism, which is unacceptable and incompatible with the principles of sport and society.

On the field, Hugo played a decisive role: he saved a penalty during regular time and two more in the shootout that secured Corinthians' place in the State Championship semifinals.

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