Eduardo Conceição made the gesture when celebrating a goal during a match against Argentina; opposing player was also punished
Striker Eduardo Conceição, from Palmeiras and the Brazilian under-17 team, was suspended by the Conmebol Disciplinary Commission for 4 months. The reason for the suspension was a gesture made by the player imitating a monkey, classified as discrimination in the regulations of the South American Under-17 Championship. The information is from .
In April, Eduardo clashed with Argentine midfielder Benítez in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Argentina, in the quarter-finals of the South American Championship, in Paraguay.
According to the Brazilian, Benítez was racist during the 2nd half of the match. Referee David Ojeda did not initiate the anti-racism protocol. Then, Eduardo protested by celebrating his 3rd goal of the match with gestures imitating a monkey.
Benítez was also punished. Conmebol asked FIFA for the suspension to have worldwide effect. Both the CBF and the Argentine federation are appealing. If the suspension is maintained, both players could be affected in the preparation for the U17 World Cup in November, in Qatar. They were also prevented from playing for their clubs.
