In a shocking incident during a Série B match on May 4, 2025, Miguel Ángel Terceros Acuña, known as Miguelito, a player for América Futebol Clube (América-MG), was arrested for allegedly making racial slurs against Allano Brendon de Souza Lima of Operário Ferroviário Esporte Clube (Ofec-PR). The match, held at the Estádio Germano Krüger in Ponta Grossa, was temporarily halted as the referee, Alisson Sidnei Furtado, activated the 'anti-racism protocol' established by the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF).
The incident occurred approximately 30 minutes into the first half when Miguelito reportedly directed a racial insult at Allano during a ball dispute. According to delegate Gabriel Munhoz, Miguelito allegedly called Allano "preto do ca**lho" or "preto cagão." Although the official broadcast did not capture the incident due to Miguelito facing away from the cameras, the testimonies of Allano and Jacy, the captain of Operário, were deemed sufficient for the police to take action.
After a 15-minute pause in the game, which resumed with Operário leading 1-0, the situation escalated as both teams' players became involved in heated exchanges. The referee's decision to implement the protocol involved crossing his arms in an 'X' shape, signaling the seriousness of the allegations. The game concluded with Operário winning 1-0, but the focus shifted to the allegations against Miguelito.
Following the match, Miguelito was taken into custody by the police and spent the night at a local police station. He was released on May 5, 2025, after a judge accepted a request from his defense to avoid a custody hearing. Judge Thiago Bertuol de Oliveira stated that while there were indications of a probable offense, there were no compelling reasons to detain Miguelito further. He emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting that releasing Miguelito would disturb public order or that he would evade legal proceedings.
The legal implications of the incident are serious, as the maximum penalty for racial injury in Brazil can reach five years of imprisonment. The case is still under investigation, with the Public Ministry considering whether to file charges against Miguelito. Additionally, the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) may pursue disciplinary action in the sports context.
The aftermath of the incident has sparked widespread discussions about racism in Brazilian football, a topic that has gained increased attention in recent years. Allano expressed his feelings in a statement, describing the racial abuse he faced as "painful, revolting, and unacceptable." He called for justice and solidarity in the fight against racism, emphasizing the need for empathy and responsibility within the sport.
Operário's official statement condemned any acts of racism and affirmed their support for Allano. They are actively seeking additional evidence, including video footage from different angles, to substantiate the claims. The club is committed to taking necessary actions against racism, reinforcing their stance on equality and respect within football.
Conversely, América-MG has publicly defended Miguelito, labeling the accusations as "unfounded." The club's president, Alencar da Silveira, expressed complete solidarity with the player, asserting that no discriminatory behavior could be attributed to him. They have pledged to uphold the values of equality and integrity in football, maintaining that Miguelito's conduct has always been respectful.
The CBF has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but they reiterated their commitment to enforcing anti-racism protocols during matches. The organization emphasized that football should be a space of respect and inclusion, and they will continue to take firm actions to eradicate racism from the sport.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of this incident will likely resonate beyond the pitch, reflecting ongoing societal issues surrounding racism in Brazil. The football community is watching closely, as the outcomes could lead to significant changes in how such cases are handled in the future.
In conclusion, the case of Miguelito serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that persist in the fight against racism in sports. As players, clubs, and governing bodies navigate these complex issues, the hope remains that football can become a beacon of equality and respect, rather than a stage for discrimination.
