Four River Plate women’s players released from prison following accusations of making a racist slur during a match against Gremio

Four River Plate women’s players have recently gained media attention after being granted bail under stringent conditions following their arrest for an incident involving on-field racism. This situation unfolded during a Brazil Ladies’ Cup match on December 21, where the Argentina giants faced off against Gremio in Sao Paulo.

The game took a controversial turn when Candela Diaz was observed making monkey gestures toward a ballboy, a moment that was captured live on television. This prompted a brief confrontation between the teams, leading Gremio to leave the pitch in protest. As tensions escalated, the match resulted in six players from River Plate being sent off, ultimately leading to the game’s conclusion with River Plate unable to field the required number of players, thus handing the victory to Gremio.

Following the match, Candela Diaz, along with fellow players Milagros Diaz, Duarte, and Cangaro, were apprehended by Sao Paulo police, spending their Christmas in custody. The situation took a turn on Saturday when a Brazilian judge decided to grant them bail; however, this relief comes with significant conditions: the players are required to stay in Brazil and must appear in court in Sao Paulo on a monthly basis until the legal proceedings are resolved.

In response to the ruling, the lawyer representing the four players expressed concerns regarding what they perceive as an arbitrary decision, suggesting that the Brazilian judiciary appears intent on using this case to convey a broader message against racism. Speaking to AP, the lawyer of the four players said: “We see in this decision a great arbitrariness and the Brazilian judiciary’s desire to send a message. They used this case for that purpose.”

Simultaneously, River Plate has taken a firm stance following these events, announcing that they will impose strict disciplinary measures on the involved players. The club has committed to actively working to eradicate racism from football, recognizing the critical importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment in the sport. Their proactive approach signifies a broader responsibility that sports teams have in challenging and addressing issues of discrimination within their ranks and the broader community.