São Paulo Football Federation have confirmed that Mogi Mirim’s stadium has been suspended following claims that Santos midfielder Arouca was racially abused on Thursday night during a fixture between the two clubs.
Arouca spoke to the media after the State Championship match to reveal that he had been subject to racist abuse and released a statement on Friday to reveal his disgust at the insults.
It was announced late yesterday evening that São Paulo’s sports justice tribunal had ruled that Arouca had been victim of racist chants. Times of India reported the news.
Firstly the São Paulo Football Federation said: “This decision is necessary knowing that the actions of supporters of Mogi Mirim indelibly stain sporting discipline but also basic principles.”
Before the tribunal concluded: “The stadium suspension will stay in place until a final decision of a disciplinary process is set in train to determine what happened.”
Mogi Mirim president Rivaldo responded in a statement and condoned his supporters if there had been a case of racism.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan attacker responded in a statement: “If there has been a case of racism against Santos’ Arouca then I am against this attitude of people who do not respect others – we are all equal.”
However, Rivaldo did express his belief that Mogi Mirim should not be punished for an act of a few individuals.
He concluded: “I do not agree with this punishment of the club – we cannot control fans’ mouths. The club is responsible if there is fighting, a pitch invasion or missiles are thrown on the pitch.”
