Whether it was for genuine sporting reasons or a PR stunt gone wrong, Boa Esporte Clube’s signing of a convicted murderer has caused outrage.
Brazil
On March 8, Cruzeiro – one of Brazilian football’s traditional “big 12” – took to the field for a cup match against Murici-AL wearing a special kit. The jerseys were royal blue, as ever, but did not carry the names of the players. Instead, to mark International Women’s Day, the squad numbers spelt out statistics highlighting the challenges faced by women in Brazil.
“Salaries 30% lower” read the shirt belonging to midfielder Thiago Neves. Others were even more shocking: “A rape every 11 minutes”; “A woman killed every two hours”. The club earned widespread praise, both at home and abroad, for drawing attention to such a worthy cause. In a country as patriarchal as Brazil, such gestures make waves.
Other clubs essayed their own initiatives, but if the sport was hoping to present a united front on the issue of women’s rights, the waters would soon be muddied in galling fashion. Two days later, second-tier Boa Esporte Clube – neighbours of Cruzeiro – signed Bruno Fernandes de Souza, a player who, four years prior, had been convicted of the brutal murder of the mother of his child.
Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
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Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.