Cruzeiro’s midfielder, Matheus Pereira, has been subjected to racial slurs and threats from Boca Juniors supporters following the recent Copa Libertadores match between the two teams. The incidents occurred after Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory at Mineirão stadium.
According to reports, Pereira was targeted with both online abuse and direct threats. The club is reportedly taking the matter seriously and has begun investigating the source of the threats.
a Boca Juniors fan was arrested during the match for allegedly making a racist gesture towards Cruzeiro players. The individual remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court, as reported by multiple news outlets.
Boca Juniors’ coach acknowledged the difficulty his team faced in controlling Pereira’s movements during the match. He highlighted how Pereira’s ability to occupy different spaces on the field and identify passing lanes disrupted their defensive structure. “We made changes based on what I had explained: to abandon the field more open. They also stretched the play, and Pereira moved inside, attacking the far post on the opposite side and finding passes through the middle,” the coach stated. He added that they attempted to adjust their marking, but were not successful in doing so.
The incidents underscore the ongoing issue of racism in football and the need for continued efforts to combat discriminatory behavior both on and off the field.
