Abel Braga Apologizes After Homophobic Remark, but Controversy Intensifies

Abel Braga’s emotional return to Internacional’s bench has been overshadowed by a major controversy. During his first press conference back at the club, the 73-year-old coach recounted an internal conversation where he objected to the team training in pink shirts—using a homophobic slur that quickly spread across television and social media. The backlash was immediate.

Hours later, Braga appeared again before cameras to apologize and offer context:

“I lost a son at 19. Someone who loses a child is not homophobic. It was a joke. I was trying to push the players to show more determination, nothing more.”

Despite his apology, media outlets across Brazil and beyond labeled the comments unacceptable, and human rights groups stressed that dismissing such language as “just a joke” normalizes discrimination in sport. Fans—including some from rivals like Grêmio—responded by resurfacing institutional messages about respect and inclusion that contrasted sharply with the coach’s words.

With pressure mounting, Braga turned to social media to reiterate that he chose the wrong phrasing and insisted that colors “do not define anyone.” Yet after Internacional’s loss to São Paulo, he repeated the argument that his personal tragedy was proof he harbored no discriminatory intent. His defense has not convinced everyone. Experts in inclusion and diversity highlight that intent does not erase the harmful impact of discriminatory expressions—especially from a prominent football figure whose words reach millions.

The controversy places Internacional in a difficult position. The team is struggling near the bottom of the table and urgently needs results, but now must also confront a reputational crisis involving one of its biggest historical figures. Braga returned to the club without a salary, hoping to rescue the season, but the discussion has shifted from football to whether his behavior aligns with the values the club claims to uphold.

The episode reflects a broader trend in Brazilian—and global—football. Over recent years, coaches, executives, and players in various leagues have faced sanctions for discriminatory remarks, while federations launch anti-homophobia campaigns and stadiums display rainbow flags and inclusion messages. Even so, chants and comments rooted in outdated prejudices continue to surface in locker rooms and on the pitch.

For Brazilian football, the Braga situation is a test of consistency. The reactions of clubs, governing bodies, and sponsors will reveal whether anti-discrimination messages truly translate into action. As for Braga, his challenge now extends beyond avoiding relegation with Internacional. Recovering public trust will require sustained commitment to respect, accountability, and meaningful change—because in football, language plays a decisive role both on and off the field.