Avaí player accuses Ceará midfielder of racism during match

Avaí right-back Wallison has accused Ceará midfielder Matheus Araújo of using a racial slur during a Brasileirão Série B match at the Ressacada stadium. Wallison reported that Araújo called him a “monkey,” an allegation that was subsequently recorded in the match official's report by referee Alex Gomes Stefano.

While the referee noted the accusation in the official summary, the report indicated that neither the officiating crew nor other players witnessed the specific insult. Matheus Araújo has denied the accusation.

The incident follows the CBF anti-racism protocol, which involves specific stages of match interruption and stadium announcements. The case is expected to be reviewed by the Sports Justice Prosecutor's Office, which will evaluate available evidence, including audio, images, and testimonies, to determine if formal charges should be brought before the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD).