A Brazilian sports court has suspended Red Bull Bragantino defender Marques for 12 matches following sexist comments he made about a female referee after a São Paulo state league match.
The disciplinary ruling, announced on Thursday, stems from remarks Marques directed at or about the match official in the aftermath of the game. The court determined that his words constituted sexist behavior, leading to one of the more severe individual suspensions related to discriminatory conduct in recent Brazilian domestic football.
While the specific match and the exact wording of the comments were not detailed in the available report, the decision highlights the growing emphasis within Brazilian football authorities on addressing discriminatory language and conduct toward match officials, players, and other participants in the sport. The sanction underscores that sexist behavior, whether during play or in postgame comments, can result in significant competitive and disciplinary consequences.
Marques’ 12-game ban means Red Bull Bragantino will be without the defender for a substantial stretch of upcoming fixtures. Depending on scheduling, this suspension could impact the club’s match plans both in the state competition and possibly in subsequent tournaments, if the ban overlaps with or is extended into other competitions subject to the jurisdiction of the sports court.
The case also adds to a broader, ongoing discussion in Brazilian and global football regarding respect for referees and the treatment of women working in the sport. Female referees have increasingly taken charge of high-profile matches, and governing bodies have publicly supported initiatives aimed at ensuring a professional environment free from harassment and discriminatory language.
No further details were immediately available regarding any additional fines, appeals, or potential statements from Marques, the referee involved, Red Bull Bragantino, or the São Paulo state football authorities. It was also not specified whether the club intends to challenge the length of the suspension or the findings of the sports court.
The ruling stands as a formal response from the Brazilian sports justice system to sexist conduct directed at a match official, reinforcing existing codes of conduct and signaling that such behavior will be met with strict disciplinary measures.
