On Thursday, FC Porto Pepe footballer accused Argentine Santi Colombatto of Famalicão of calling him a “monkey” and criticized the “lack of courage” of Portugal Cup semi-final referee Manuel Mota.
“It’s sad that this happens between athletes of this level. Unfortunately the referee didn’t have the courage because that’s exactly what it is, lack of courage because he heard it.” [Colombatto] called me ‘mono’. Everyone knows what it is. It’s monkey in spanish. I did not leave the field out of respect for those watching the game and for Famalicão.”said the blue and white defender in RTP’s ‘flash interview’, immediately after the second leg match, which the blue and white won 3-2 after extra time.
Shortly after the 87th minute, Pepe became agitated with Colombatto, who was on the floor waiting for medical attention, and with referee Manuel Mota, and play was halted for about three minutes, with the centre-back complaining that he had been targeted. racist insults by the opponent. The coach of the ‘dragons’, Sérgio Conceição, even received a yellow card during that period.
“It is a pity that this is happening. In fact, in front of the referee, who is in charge of the game. He listened. He was nervous and said it had not been ‘mono’, but ‘monada.’ ” The referee didn’t have the courage to stop the game. If the biggest boss on the field doesn’t have that courage, who does?”asked Pepe.
The captain of the ‘blue and whites’ said he hoped “people will look at this and make a decision”, emphasizing that “it is unacceptable that this is happening on a football pitch”.
“I told the referee I was disappointed in him. He didn’t deserve my compliments. He had the authority and the evidence to change a dark history in football. We have the VAR, let’s hear it.”he said.
In addition, Pepe said he intended to report the situation to the appropriate authorities: “I’m going to talk to people at FC Porto because I want to denounce this. I’m captain of FC Porto, of the national team, I have a lot of respect for this profession. I am what I am now because of this sport “We must lead by example whether we win or lose. We must never insult or humiliate others.”
Also in RTP’s ‘flash interview’, Famalicão coach, João Pedro Sousa, flatly denied that there was any insult by Colombatto.
“Whether it’s players, coaches, managers or the police who say Colombatto called something [a Pepe] and a liar. I am a witness and I believe in my player. In fact, we don’t even need witnesses. It’s all a lie”he said.
On Thursday, FC Porto qualified for the final of the Portuguese Football Cup for the 33rd time in its history, beating Famalicão 3-2 in the second leg of the semi-final after extra time.
After winning 2-1 at Vila Nova de Famalicão last week, the trophy holders saw Minho’s team draw, with goals from Cádiz (21 minutes) and Iván Jaime (75), with Galeno scoring the blue and white goal scored (28, penalty).
However, when everything indicated that the semi-final would be decided on penalties, Otávio (120 + 1 minutes) and Evanílson (120 + 4) ‘sealed’ FC Porto’s qualification, that it would face Sporting de Braga in the final of the World Cup. will record. Portuguese Cup, scheduled for June 4 at Estádio Nacional.
Source: DN
