Police identify and indict fans suspected of racism in the Brazil Cup final

The Civil Police of Paraná identified and indicted under suspicion of racism an Athletico fan who made gestures imitating other fans during the Brazil Cup final, on Wednesday (15). The woman, whose name was not disclosed, is 24 years old and is a merchant.

A video of her making gestures circulated on the internet after the game and prompted the start of an investigation at Demafe (Mobile Police Station for Football and Events). The fan was in a box at the Arena da Baixada, in Curitiba, the Athletico Paranaense stadium.

Delegate Luiz Carlos Oliveira said he identified the young woman because of the location where she was. Before even subpoenaing her to testify, she volunteered at Demafe and ended up being indicted after giving her version of the case.

Oliveira said that the fan confirmed that she had gestured imitating monkeys to fans present at the stadium. She said that the gestures were not aimed at Atlético-MG fans, but at Athletico, the club she supports.

The delegate confirmed that, given the position of the box where the fan was, the version that the gestures were aimed at athletics makes sense. “Atletico-MG fans were on the other side,” Oliveira said.

According to the delegate, the fan stated that she gestured to Athletico fans who would have provoked guests from the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) and businessman Luciano Hang during the game. The CBF, according to a police investigation, used a box in the Arena da Baixada next to the one in which the fan was.

“There was a confusion during the game on account of the Hang and the CBF. Fans started throwing objects towards these guests,” said the delegate. “The fan saw it and said she imitated monkeys because she said they would be behaving like primates.”

On the night of the game, manager Hang was even hit by a glass of beer thrown from an area occupied by Athletico fans. In live held this Friday (17), Hang stated that he identified through posts on social networks the fan who threw the cup.

Delegate Oliveira stated that, in her statement, the fan denied any racist content in her gesture. He also said that he had been drinking in the cabin. This, however, did not prevent her from being indicted. “I’m going to conclude the inquiry and the Justice that will decide if there was really the crime of racism”, said the delegate.

Oliveira said that two other fans filmed imitating monkeys and pointing to their skin color in an ironic tone have not yet been identified. According to him, as these fans were in the stands, reaching them is more difficult.

He, however, hopes to identify them soon. Athletico Paranaense said in a statement issued on Thursday (16) that it will help authorities to locate them.

“The club will spare no effort to investigate the events, identify those responsible and forward all information to the competent authorities,” said the club.

A leaf he was unable to contact the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) to hear the organization about the case.

The match between Athletico and Atlético-MG ended 2-1 for the Minas Gerais team. Atlético had already won the first match of the Brazil Cup final by 4-0, on Sunday (12), and was crowned champion of the tournament.