São Paulo Civil Police indict two Portuguesa fans over racist abuse of Hugo Souza | OneFootball

São Paulo Civil Police have indicted two Portuguesa supporters for racially abusing Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza after the club reached the Paulistão semi-finals on 22 February. According to ge.globo, the men are Sérgio de Jesus Paiva and Vinicius Cardoso Cannavina, accused of injúria racial, an offence carrying two to five years in prison.

Footage published by Jovem Pan Esportes showed slurs aimed at the keeper, including terms such as favelado and piolhento, as well as comments about his hair and teeth.

Souza gave a statement confirming the insults and describing them as racist. The pair presented their defence, denying any intent to discriminate or prejudiced content. The inquiry was led by delegate Cesar Saad, who heads Drade, São Paulo’s unit for intolerance in sport.

With the investigation concluded, the case has been sent to the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office, which may accept the charges or archive the complaint.

After the incident, Corinthians pressed the FPF for action. Portuguesa expressed solidarity with the goalkeeper and expelled both from its membership. Souza also condemned the abuse at Canindé.

On the night in question he was central to Corinthians’ progress, saving three penalties, two of them in the decisive shootout. Corinthians exited in the next round, beaten by Novorizontino.

Source: Meu Timao