Marcelo Paz condemns racist abuse of Hugo Souza and backs Corinthians goalkeeper | OneFootball

Marcelo Paz, Corinthians’ football executive, condemned racist abuse of goalkeeper Hugo Souza by Portuguesa supporters and said those responsible should be punished. According to Meu Timao, he voiced support during an FPF technical council meeting on Monday.

After Timão advanced on penalties on Sunday, Souza was abused on his way to the Canindé dressing room. At least two fans called him “favelado” and “piolhento” and shouted “corta esse cabelo” and “sem dente”.

Paz said such behaviour cannot be tolerated or treated as an isolated case, nor minimised because Portuguesa were eliminated. He stressed the issue lay with the individuals, not the club or its wider fanbase, and argued for sanctions as a necessary lesson.

He said Corinthians had contacted the FPF and that the club would fully support Souza if he chooses to pursue a police complaint. Paz added that society does not accept such conduct and, even if it did, Corinthians would not.

Portuguesa issued a statement condemning the abuse and pledging punishment, while the Paulista federation expressed regret and awaits the authorities’ investigation. Despite a police presence, the insults continued until another supporter intervened and urged an end.

On the pitch, Souza saved three penalties, two in the shootout, helping Corinthians into the Paulistão semi-finals. Dorival Júnior’s side visit Cruzeiro at 20:00 on Wednesday at the Mineirão in the Campeonato Brasileiro, then face Novorizontino at 20:30 on Saturday at Doutor Jorge Ismael de Biasi.

Source: Meu Timao