Abel Braga’s return to Internacional has been instantly overshadowed by controversy following a homophobic remark made during his introductory press conference Sunday[[1]]. The coach apologized for the comment, which drew swift criticism adn a strong response from rival club Grêmio[[1]]. The incident occurs as Internacional battles to avoid relegation in the Brazilian Série A, currently holding the 17th position with 41 points[[1]].
Controversy has erupted around the return of Abel Braga to Internacional after the coach made a homophobic remark during his introductory press conference on Sunday. Braga later issued an apology following widespread criticism.
“D’Alessandro is like an ant: he’s everywhere on the field. I made a joke, and he scolded everyone. I said, ‘I don’t want my team training in pink jerseys. It looks like a deer’s team,’” Braga stated.
Following the negative reaction, the coach took to Instagram to retract his statement. “Colorados and coloradas, first of all, I recognize that I didn’t make a good comment about the color pink during my press conference. Before this spreads, I apologize. Colors don’t define genders, character does. Internacional needs peace and a lot of work,” he posted.
Primeiras atividades deste domingo, dando sequência na preparação para enfrentar o São Paulo. 💪🏽🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/VsSEq4cbfZ
— Sport Club Internacional (@SCInternacional) November 30, 2025
Rival Club Responds
The fallout from Abel Braga’s comments quickly extended beyond Internacional, as archrival Grêmio issued a statement via social media. “We are proud of all our fans, whether they are blue, white, black, pink, or any other color. Grêmio is a place of passion, where everyone can be who they want to be, a place where the most important thing is the voice of encouragement. Grêmio is the Club of Everyone and we are against any type of discrimination,” the club declared.
ORGULHO! 🏳️🌈💙🖤🤍 Temos orgulho de todos os nossos torcedores, sejam eles azuis, brancos, pretos, rosas ou de qualquer outra cor. O Grêmio é lugar de paixão, onde todos podem ser quem quiserem ser, lugar em que o mais importante é a voz do alento. O Grêmio é o #ClubeDeTodos e… pic.twitter.com/hN7VpXTymd
— Grêmio FBPA (@Gremio) December 1, 2025
Braga Expresses Confidence in Relegation Battle
Despite the controversy, Abel Braga expressed confidence in Internacional’s ability to avoid relegation during his initial remarks. Currently 17th in the Brazilian Série A with 41 points, the club is just outside the drop zone.
“I’m coming back because I believe in what I’ve seen. They probably think I’m crazy, but I told the players, ‘Do you know why I came? Because I believe. A team that played the first half you did against Santos shouldn’t be in this situation, so you need to improve the atmosphere and regain confidence in a few hours to bring back what we really are,’” Braga explained.
Next Match
- Match: São Paulo x Internacional
- Date and Time: December 3 (Wednesday) | 8:00 PM (Brasília time)
- Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro
- Location: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)
