Left-back Caio Paulista, from Atlético Mineiro, was the victim of a fan of a fan during a confrontation on Thursday night (17) against Atletico Bucaramanga, from Colombia, valid for the South American Cup playoffs.
When the players were heading for the locker rooms for the break of the match at Américo Montanini stadium in Bucaramanga, a fan of the Colombian team was caught in the stands uttering racist offenses towards the Brazilian player.
“Still at the place of the match, the police report was made, and the fan was identified and arrested. Atletico will continue to follow the case,” said Atlético Mineiro in a statement.
“This situation is revolting and needs to end once and for all! How long will we have to live with this nonsense? How long?” The club added.
“I know Conmebol is attentive and vigilant and measures will be taken. As long as there are no more severe punishments, which may include greater punishment to clubs, we will still still witness situations like this,” said Victor Bagy, Atletico’s soccer director.
Conmebol (South American Football Confederation) reported that the case is under investigation, a stage prior to the opening of disciplinary proceedings.
The lack of harsher punishments of the South American Confederation to curb cases of racism in the region’s football has been the target of criticism from leaders.
In June, the entity applied a fine of US $ 15,000 (R $ 83,600) to the Paraguayan midfielder Damián Bobadilla, from São Paulo, accused of xenophobia against Miguel Navarro, from Talleres, in Copa Libertadores game.
Thursday’s game ended with the 1-0 win of the Minas Gerais team, with a penalty hulk goal, 23 minutes into the second half.
The return of the return takes place next Thursday (24), at the MRV Arena, in Belo Horizonte. Whoever wins faces Godoy Cruz for the round of 16.
