A match in the Paulista U-15 Championship ended up marked by an episode of racism that forced the activation of FIFA's anti-discrimination protocol. Referee Marcos Nunes left the field of play after denouncing that the father of a soccer player insulted him by calling him a “monkey” during the match between Votoraty and Referência, played at Votorantim's Domênico Paolo Metidieri stadium, in the state of São Paulo.
The attack occurred in the final minutes of the first half, when Votoraty was losing 0-2. As the referee himself explained, the insult was heard by members of the referee team and by security personnel present in the stadium.
Nunes recounted what happened through her social networks and accompanied her message with a video of the moment she crossed her arms at the wrists, the signal established by FIFA to activate the anti-racist protocol.
"I suffered an act of racism from the father of a Votoraty player. He called me 'monkey', words that were clearly heard by the support team and the event's security staff," he wrote.
From the field to the police station: activation of the FIFA protocol
After hearing the insult, the referee decided not to continue the match. According to the local press, after the break he gave the official signal, left the field and went to a police station to file a formal complaint.
The man pointed out by the referee was identified by the authorities and gave a statement. Subsequently, charges were filed against him for a crime of racism, which in Brazil contemplates penalties of between two and five years in prison, although he will face the trial in freedom.
The second half of the match was directed by the fourth referee, who replaced Nunes, and the match ended with a 0-3 victory for Referência.
The episode had a strong emotional impact on the referee, who publicly described how he experienced the situation.
"Knowing that this is happening is already extremely sad and painful. But experiencing it firsthand is devastating. The feeling of helplessness is so great that it makes you cry. In the locker room, I came to thank God for not having a son, just to know that he would not have to go through a situation as horrible as this," he expressed.
Club reaction and referee's reflection
Votoraty issued a statement in which it expressed “its most energetic repudiation of any act of racial insult, racism or any other form of discrimination on and off the playing fields.”
The institution added that it does not support “under any circumstances” conduct that violates dignity, respect and the values that sport should promote.
Nunes also took the opportunity to reflect on racism in football. "During the World Cup, I heard many people say that they would not support Argentina because they are racist there. Let's look at our own backyard. The problem that we point out outside is also ours," he said.
The case revived the debate about the application of anti-racist protocols in Brazilian football and about the responsibility of players, families and spectators in training categories.
