Paraguayan FA Demands Tough Sanctions on Palmeiras After Racist Incidents

The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) has issued a strong statement condemning acts of racism suffered by Cerro Porteño supporters and players during their Copa Libertadores match against Palmeiras on April 9 at Allianz Parque in São Paulo. According to Versus, the APF is calling for "severe and exemplary sanctions" to be imposed on the Brazilian club.

In the statement, the APF highlighted that there were already troubling signs ahead of the match, including incitement to violence. As a result, the organization sought assistance from the Paraguayan Consulate in Brazil. The APF stressed that football authorities must take responsibility for promoting a culture of respect and firmly rejecting racism and discrimination.

The association described the incidents as "absolutely unacceptable" and reiterated that, as Brazilian authorities have repeatedly stated, racism is a crime in their country. They urged Palmeiras and local law enforcement to identify the perpetrator and enforce the appropriate legal consequences.

The APF also pointed out a perceived inconsistency in how such cases are handled, referencing a past incident involving Paraguayan player Ángel Romero. The statement noted that his previous claims of racial abuse in Brazil did not generate the same level of condemnation as the recent incident involving Palmeiras player Luighi.