Corinthians condemn racist abuse at Hugo Souza in Paulistão win

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Central do Timão

·23 de febrero de 2026

Corinthians condemn racist abuse at Hugo Souza in Paulistão win

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

On the night of last Sunday (22), Corinthians secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 Paulista Championship by defeating Portuguesa 8-7 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw in regular time – the goal was scored by midfielder Vitinho. After the match, opposing fans made racist attacks on goalkeeper Hugo Souza of the Alvinegro as he headed to the locker room.

In images released by Jovem Pam Esportes, the number 1 was called “slum dweller”, “lice-ridden”, along with phrases like “cut that hair” and “toothless”. In an official statement published this Monday (23), Corinthians lamented the incident involving their goalkeeper and demanded appropriate measures against those involved in the racist attacks.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“Sport Club Corinthians Paulista publicly expresses its strongest condemnation of the offenses directed at goalkeeper Hugo Souza by Portuguesa de Desportos fans, manifestations that evoke terms and expressions historically associated with structural racism, an unacceptable practice in any context and absolutely incompatible with the values of sport and society.”

“Corinthians informs that it formally demanded the Paulista Football Federation, during a meeting held on the afternoon of this Monday (23), to properly investigate the facts, identify those responsible, and apply the appropriate sanctions, so that episodes like this do not recur. As a popular, diverse association committed to social justice, we reaffirm that we will not allow racism to go unpunished under any circumstances,” said the club in an official statement.

The incident was not reported in the match summary by referee Raphael Klaus, as he and his officiating team were no longer on the field. It is worth noting that, despite the offenses, the Military Police only observed the situation, and shortly after, another Portuguesa fan asked the two individuals to stop the offenses.

Moments later, the Paulista Football Federation (FPF) expressed regret over the episode involving racist offenses against the Corinthians goalkeeper, emphasizing that it relies on São Paulo authorities for a more in-depth investigation of the situation.

“The Paulista Football Federation regrets and vehemently condemns the racist acts suffered by goalkeeper Hugo Souza of Corinthians last Sunday (22) as he left the field at Canindé Stadium after the quarterfinal match of the Paulistão Casas Bahia. The FPF trusts that the authorities will investigate this crime of prejudice committed in a stadium in the State of São Paulo.”

“It is unacceptable that sports venues continue to be stages for various crimes of intolerance and racism without punishment for the perpetrators. The FPF reinforces that racist manifestations, like any form of discrimination, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will remain firm in defending the values of diversity, inclusion, and human dignity, acting permanently in the awareness, prevention, and combat of discriminatory attitudes, so that football is a safe, welcoming, and respectful space for everyone,” stated the entity.

Finally, goalkeeper Hugo Souza himself published a note on his social media lamenting the incident and stating that football is a place of “passion, competition, and unity, never discrimination,” also mentioning that he expects a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those involved in the racist offenses.

“On Sunday night (22), after the match against Portuguesa, I was the target of a racist act as I left the stadium. This is a serious situation that goes beyond any sporting limit and affects 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 relativized, normalized, or ignored. Unfortunately, this is still a reality faced by many black people daily, both inside and outside of sports.”

“I vehemently repudiate any prejudiced manifestation and reinforce my commitment to the fight for a more just and conscious society. Football should be a space of passion, competition, and unity, never discrimination. I hope the case is thoroughly investigated in the legal sphere and that exemplary measures are taken. Combating racism is everyone's responsibility”, he published.

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