This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Flamengo's coach, Filipe Luís, took advantage of the press conference after the victory over Madureira (3-0) to clarify his previous statements regarding the racism case involving Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior during the first leg of the Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid. The Brazilian coach, who had described the incident as 'an isolated case,' stated that he was misinterpreted and expressed being 'sad and disappointed' by the impact his statements had. 'First, I would like to clarify my words, which were widely misinterpreted in the last conference I held. At no point was my intention to downplay the racism case or the racist act, nor to disrespect the victim,' he assured, adding: 'I stand with Vinícius; I and Flamengo stand with Vinícius. I have great affection and admiration for him, and I am with him; I have no doubt about what I am saying.' The coach acknowledged the responsibility of his public position and admitted that he may not have expressed himself with the necessary clarity. 'I repudiate racism; I condemn the racist act. Racism is a crime,' he stated emphatically. Filipe Luís also emphasized the importance of exemplary punishment: 'As I said a day earlier, if he did it — which is not for me to judge — let him pay. Let him pay dearly. Because coming here and talking is easy; making a shirt that says 'no to racism' is easy; wearing an anti-racism bracelet is easy. The hard part is punishing. So, if he did it, let him pay.' Filipe Luís also explained the context in which he used the term 'isolated case.' According to the coach, his response specifically referred to the treatment Flamengo received in Argentina. 'The question was, 'how was Flamengo treated during visits to Argentina?' and I meant to say that the incident on the field, which happened in that game, was an isolated case,' he clarified, acknowledging that there are many other cases of racism 'in Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, England, and Brazil.' It is worth recalling that during the game at the Luz, the match was interrupted (racism protocol activated) after Vini Jr. reported being called a monkey by Prestianni.
Benfica Real Madrid remains central to this story.
Benfica Real Madrid remains central to this story.
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