The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) have condemned the racist abuse aimed at Fernandinho and his family after the country’s exit from the World Cup.
Five-time winners Brazil lost 2-1 to Belgium in Kazan on Friday after Fernandinho scored an own goal in the first half.
Kevin De Bruyne struck a brilliant second for the Belgians and, although Brazil substitute Renato Augusto headed his side back into it, the Brazilians crashed out, with Fernandinho and his family since targeted by fans.
“The CBF repudiates the racist attacks suffered by the player @fernandinho and their relatives,” Brazil’s governing body said.
“Football represents the union of colors, genres, cultures and peoples. We are with you. Racists will not pass! #AllIguals #Brazilian Selection #SayNoToRacism #GigantesPorNatureza”.
Fernandinho and his wife Glaucia Rosa have been subjected to abuse and threats and the 33-year-old’s mother has been forced to close down her Instagram account due to offensive comments, it has been reported.
As redes sociais do jogador @fernandinho estão repletas de ataques racistas e incitações à violência. A derrota do Brasil e o gol contra do atacante não justificam o racismo. Nada justifica o racismo. Estamos com você #fernandinho #copadomundo #racismo #negros #nãopassarão pic.twitter.com/jKFyc9nHCk
— Mundo Negro (@sitemundonegro) July 7, 2018
Mundo Negro, a website and magazine which specialises in black culture, also offered their support to Fernandinho and his family.
They posted a message under a photograph of Fernandinho, which read: “The defeat of Brazil and the own goal do not justify racism. Nothing justifies racism. We are with you Fernandinho.”
Fernandinho was badly criticised four years ago when he was substituted at half-time during Brazil’s 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
