Botafogo fans protest against Marlon Freitas during match

During a Brasileirão match between Botafogo and Palmeiras, Botafogo supporters heavily protested against former player Marlon Freitas. The midfielder, who recently transferred to Palmeiras after expressing his desire to join the São Paulo club to owner John Textor, was met with boos and insults such as “mercenário” and “traidor” at the Nilton Santos stadium.

In a symbolic gesture of disapproval, fans tore his image off the club’s traditional banner of idols, which previously included him following the 2024 Libertadores victory. Freitas played the full 90 minutes but received a yellow card toward the end of the match.

Other former Botafogo player Barboza, also playing for Palmeiras, faced similar hostility. Barboza was sent off with a second yellow card in the closing minutes, an event that was met with celebration from the Botafogo crowd.