In the last classic Atletiba, played on Saturday (25), in the stadium Couto Pereira, Athletic quarterback Léo was the target of racial injury. The player used his social networks to pronounce and announce that he will take legal action against the person responsible for racist offenses.
After the match, Léo tried to register a police report directly at the Mobile Football and Events Service (Demafe), installed in the stadium. However, due to the schedule, the unit was closed. The defender plans to officialize the complaint on Monday (27), directly in the Civil Police.
"Racism is a crime and cannot be ignored. The prejudice I faced today in Atletiba is something that should never happen. Those who commit racism need to be held accountable, but those who see and shut up also have their share of guilt. Silence is an accessory to racism, and this needs to end. Football must be a space of respect and equality!"
Leo released in his publication.
The incident during the game
The case happened when Leo left the camp after being expelled in the first half. A fan near the lawn insulted him with racist offenses, calling him "monkey" and "black." The act was recorded in video by the aggressor himself and quickly viralized on social networks, generating great repercussion and indignation.
Repercussion of video on social media
The video, which clearly shows the moment of offenses, was widely shared, with fans and institutions demanding immediate action. Demafe and the Paranaense Football Federation were charged on social media to investigate and punish the perpetrator of the insults.
History of combating racism
Leo has addressed the theme of racism on other occasions, highlighting outstanding personal experiences since childhood. In 2020, while playing for Sao Paulo, the defender reported an episode in which he was expelled from a shopping mall due to racial prejudice.
" Racism is not something new, it is a structural problem that has existed for years. I've suffered a lot, but my family has always taught me to have character and fight it. I will not accept that prejudice continues unpunished," Léo said in a previous interview.
Commitment to justice and the end of racism in football
The player reaffirmed his commitment to seek justice and combat racism in sport. Their posture is an example of resistance and resilience in a scenario where prejudice still persists.
