Rosario Central accuse Corinthians fans of racism, question Hugo Souza complaint | OneFootball

Rosario Central have accused Corinthians fans of racist, discriminatory and provocative behaviour during and after the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16. The club said in a statement that incidents targeted their players and supporters at the Gigante de Arroyito on Friday night.

The Argentine side allege visiting fans repeatedly displayed Argentine banknotes, viewed as an insult and mockery of the country, and also held up a Spain shirt as further provocation.

Rosario Central will send video footage of the conduct to Conmebol and is urging the body to take action. It also challenges Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza’s account of racist abuse.

The club wants Conmebol to investigate and to require the referee to provide irrefutable evidence supporting the alleged insults, which it says were reported unilaterally during the game.

Rosario further cited the match context, arguing the claim came when Corinthians were a player down and Central were pressing. However, the complaint was lodged in the 21st minute of the second half with Corinthians still at full strength. Midfielder Allan was sent off in the 34th minute, after the referee had already initiated the protocol.

If racism against Hugo Souza is proven, the club says it will be uncompromising in sanctioning any members involved.

The sides meet again on Thursday at 21:30 Brasília time for the decisive second leg. The winner advances, and if the tie is level it will be settled by a penalty shootout.

Source: Globo.com

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