Brazilian soccer is once again addressing conduct both on and off the field. Gustavo Marques, a defender for Red Bull Bragantino, has been suspended for twelve matches by the São Paulo State Sports Justice Court following discriminatory comments directed at referee Daiane Muniz. The ruling comes weeks after a controversial quarterfinal match in the Paulista Championship against São Paulo, an incident that sparked widespread reaction throughout Brazilian soccer.
The incident occurred in the mixed zone after the match. The center-back questioned the refereeing decision and stated that “a woman should not be put in charge of a game of that magnitude” and that “she ruined the game.” The comments quickly gained media attention and were deemed discriminatory by disciplinary bodies, leading to the immediate opening of a case by the São Paulo sports court.
Unprecedented Punishment
The sanction was issued based on articles 243-F and 243-G of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice, which penalize offenses to honor and discriminatory acts. In addition to the suspension, the player will face a fine of approximately 5,000 euros. Following the incident, Marques publicly apologized and went to the referee’s locker room to personally apologize to the official, in an attempt to de-escalate the situation caused by his remarks.
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The club similarly took internal action, with Bragantino fining the player 50% of his salary and removing him from the squad for the following match. The funds raised from the fine were donated to ONG Rendar, an organization supporting vulnerable women in the Bragança region. With the court’s decision, this case sets a new precedent in Brazilian soccer’s efforts to combat discrimination and reinforce values of respect within the sport.
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