Red Bull Bragantino defender Gustavo Marques was suspended for 12 matches by the São Paulo Sports Court after making sexist comments against referee Daiane Muniz. The statements were recorded after the elimination of the team from the interior against São Paulo, in the quarter-finals of the Campeonato Paulista.
In addition to the hook, the 24-year-old athlete was fined R$30,000.
The suspension only applies to state competitions. This way, the player will be able to defend his team in Brazilian Championship games.
The comments that led to the punishment were made on February 21, after the 2-1 defeat to São Paulo.
“There’s no point in us playing against São Paulo, Palmeiras, Corinthians and them putting a woman to referee,” the athlete told TNT.
“We work every day, leave our family at home, so they can come and end our dream. It was our dream to reach the semi-finals”, added the defender.
Having spent time at América-MG and Benfica, the player also said that the FPF (São Paulo Football Federation) should not “put a woman” to referee important state games.
The FPF published a note in which it harshly condemned Gustavo Marques’ statements. “It is with deep indignation and revolt that the São Paulo Football Federation received the athlete’s interview”, stated the entity.
“A statement regarding referee Daiane Muniz that reflects a primitive, sexist, prejudiced and misogynistic vision, incompatible with the values that govern society and football. It is absolutely appalling that an athlete, under any circumstances, questions the ability of a referee based on their gender”, highlighted the FPF.
The federation added that Daiane Muniz “is an FPF/CBF/FIFA referee of the highest technical, correct and character quality” and that it would forward the statements to the Sports Court “so that it can take all appropriate measures”.
Upon leaving the changing rooms, already repentant, Marques stated in an interview with journalists that he had sought out Daiane to apologize for the statements.
“I’m here to ask for forgiveness from all the women in the world, in Brazil. I said things I shouldn’t have said at that moment,” said the defender. “I feel bad, I’m sad. My wife has already cursed me, my mother has already cursed me. Every human being makes mistakes. I’m here to ask forgiveness for all women.”
