MP will ask that fans who harassed doctor perform services in police barracks during football matches
A Brazilian prosecutor announced plans to impose harsher penalties on football fans who sexually harassed a female doctor during a match in Ribeirão Preto.
On March 10, 2023, prosecutor Paulo José Freire Teotônio announced that he would seek stronger measures against fans who sexually harassed a doctor during a football match at Palma Travassos Stadium in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. The incident occurred on March 7, just days before International Women's Day, and involved the doctor, Bianca, who was assisting the visiting team during the game between Comercial and Nacional-SP, which was part of the São Paulo Series A4. This case has sparked widespread outrage and brought attention to the issue of harassment in sports settings.
Teotônio suggested that one potential punishment could involve the suspects being required to perform community service at military police barracks on match days. Specifically, he proposed that these fans serve four hours before and four hours after the games for a year, all in an effort to discourage such disrespectful behavior, particularly against women who are working in sports. His comments highlight a growing concern about violence and misconduct in Brazilian football culture, especially in light of recent reports of harassment.
The incident serves as a wake-up call to Brazilian authorities and football institutions to take definitive action against harassment and create a safer environment for women in sports. The prosecutor's push for serious consequences could signal a shift towards greater accountability, potentially influencing not only public attitudes towards harassment but also leading to policy changes within football organizations.