“You can’t call a black man a black man, but you can call a man a woman.” Controversy on CNN Portugal

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was “shocked and saddened” by the incident between Vinicius and Prestianni. The Argentine risks a minimum suspension of ten games and even a criminal complaint in Portugal, if the racist insults are confirmed.

The case of alleged racism involving Vinícius and Prestianniin Tuesday’s Champions League game between Benfica and Real Madridwhich ended 1-0, for the meringues.

Gianni Infantino appeared disturbed by the incident.

“I was shocked and saddened upon seeing the alleged incident of racism against Vini Jr. in the European Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid”, the director began saying on the social network Instagram.

The FIFA president reiterated that there is no space for racism in football and society, adding that it is necessary “that all relevant stakeholders take action and hold those responsible accountable”.

In the note, published in its stories on Instagram, the top leader of world football also left praise to the referee of the game at Estádio da Luz, the French François Letexier“for activating the anti-racism protocol by using arm gestures to interrupt the game and manage the situation”.

Prestianni risks minimum ten game suspension

On Tuesday, in the first leg of the play-off and Championsafter scoring the only goal of the game, by Prestianni. French referee François Letexier interrupted the meeting and activated the anti-racism protocol, resuming the action almost 10 minutes later.

After the meeting, Prestianni denied any racist insult to Viníciuswhile the Brazilian international and other Real players confirmed the offense by the Argentine.

O Benfica went public to reiterate total confidence in Prestianni’s versionwho denies the insults, regretting what he considers a “smear campaign”.

O Clube da Luz guaranteed “total spirit of collaboration” with UEFAwhich appointed, however, an Ethics and Discipline Inspector to investigate the case, anticipating the hearing of both athletes in the next few days.

Prestianni could face a minimum suspension of ten games and even a criminal complaint in Portugal, if the racist insults are confirmed, defended a specialist in Sports Law, heard by Lusa.

“We are talking about sanctions that, due to the gravity of the situation, can range from fine of thousands of euros up to a temporary suspension that could exceed 10 games”, he explained. Lúcio Miguel Correiaprofessor of Sports Law at the Lusíada University of Lisbon.

If the crime of racism or xenophobia is confirmed, the Argentine Benfica player, points out Lúcio Miguel Correia, risks, in addition to heavy fines, possible labor and criminal consequences.

“The behavior is unethical and there may be a disciplinary process within the club itself,” he said, adding that “calling him a ‘monkey’ or using expressions with racist content is a crime in Portugal, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office may consider moving forward with the process and Vinícius himself may file a complaint with the Portuguese authorities.”

What is needed? Evidence

The expert highlighted, however, that the application of these sanctions requires a “deeper, more substantial proof”.

“The referee must be unequivocally certain that the words were spoken, who spoke them and which were racist in naturesomething that, in my opinion, leaves doubts, because the athlete came to deny”, defended the jurist, adding that “a simple complaint is not enough” of the Brazilian player, although corroborated by teammates.

O protocol, he argued, should only be applied if there are no doubts the performance of those acts.

For Lúcio Miguel Correia, the French referee’s report will be the “fundamental piece” of the process opened by UEFA, especially in a scenario in which Television images may be inconclusivegiven the report that the Benfica player used his shirt to cover his mouth at the time of the alleged offense.

Vinícius’ provocations must be taken into account

For the academic, the “conflictual and provocative” behavior in the field of Vinicius — with similar incidents recorded in Spain — should also be taken into account in the analysis of the animosity generated.

“The athlete’s behavior cannot count for everything. There are limits in sport of high performance and his attitude can give rise to situations of animosity, although without ever excusing racism“, he stressed.

“Today you cannot call a black person black”

The topic has been a (constant) debate on news channels in Portugal. One of the most controversial comments regarding him appeared on CNN Portugal on Wednesday afternoon.

The television channel invited Miguel Cardoso, CEO of Black Europeans, Henrique Pinto Coelho, Bruno Batista, Jorge Batista and Jaime Cancela de Abreu.

After saying that the “problem” is that Vinícius is “a provocateur”the commentator highlighted above cited something he had read before and with which he agreed: “maybe this will offend a lot of people, but a few days ago I read something that said that ‘Nowadays you can’t call a black person black, a gypsy a gypsy, but you can call a man a woman’.”

“That’s what I read, but it’s true”he added, to the disapproval of other commentators on the panel.

“Your considerations are unacceptable,” he retorted. Miguel Cardoso. “People who think like Jorge want these situations to last forever,” he added.

“What I want is common sense”, replied Jorge Batista, before the executive director of Black Europeans questioned whether “common sense is to say that ‘you can’t call a black person black, a gypsy a gypsy’?”

“This is the expression of racism”defended, in turn, Henrique Pinto Coelho.

The most surreal thing I’ve ever heard on television.

It’s one thing to think that Prestianni didn’t say that, to think that Vinicius is a born provocateur and to think that the presumption of innocence should be valued.

Another is this. This broadcast on CNN is absolutely unacceptable.

— Gonçalo (@Lagos111O)