STJD clears Grêmio executive Bárbara Fonseca over alleged racial insult against Inter fan | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Grêmio women’s football executive Bárbara Fonseca was acquitted by the STJD in Rio on Friday over an alleged racial insult against an Internacional fan, by three votes to two. The criminal investigation continues, as she has been indicted by police.

Relator Pedro Gonet said evidence was insufficient to convict despite the gravity of racism, and backed acquittal for Bárbara and Grêmio. Two more auditors agreed, while two voted to ban the executive for 120 days. The club’s acquittal was unanimous.

Both had been charged under Article 243-G of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code, which covers discriminatory acts. Bárbara faced a suspension of up to 360 days. Grêmio risked a points deduction and a R$100,000 fine.

In her testimony, Bárbara said the dispute began when an Internacional staff member abused a Grêmio player. She confronted him, which she said prompted insults from fans. She replied with the same profanity, then returned to the dressing room before a Military Brigade captain told her to go to the police station.

Separately, police have indicted the executive for injúria racial. Eleven people, including the complainant and the accused, were interviewed, and three witnesses said they heard racist abuse. Security camera footage was collected but did not capture the incident.

The Gre-Nal in the Brasileiro Feminino was at Sesc Protásio Alves on 28 March. After Grêmio’s 2-1 win, a Camisa 12 member filed a report alleging the executive shouted a racist slur.

Source: Globo.com