Xenophobia on the Field: Navarro vs Bobadilla Controversy
During a Copa Libertadores match, Venezuelan midfielder Miguel Navarro accused Sao Paulo's Damian Bobadilla of making a xenophobic remark. Navarro reported the incident involving Bobadilla's comment, 'You starving Venezuelan.' Bobadilla later apologized. Authorities, including FIFA and CONMEBOL, have been urged to investigate and address the issue.
An on-field incident has stirred controversy during the Copa Libertadores match where Venezuelan midfielder Miguel Navarro accused his Sao Paulo opponent, Damian Bobadilla, of xenophobic remarks. The Brazilian side narrowly won 2-1, yet it was an exchange of words post-match that escalated tensions.
Navarro claimed that Paraguayan player Bobadilla made the derogatory comment, 'You starving Venezuelan,' after an emotional exchange. Expressing sentiments on social media, Navarro expressed his desire to address national issues and condemned hate speech within sports.
Bobadilla issued a formal apology, lamenting that the situation got out of hand. The Venezuelan Football Federation has called upon FIFA and CONMEBOL to impose serious consequences and uphold standards against discrimination within the sport. Investigations are underway.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News