'Banana and Gorilla Emoji Controversy': Bandeira to be referred to K League Disciplinary Committee on the 13th... Facing disciplinary action

*This content was translated by AI.

Bandeira (25, Cheongju), who sparked a racial discrimination controversy by posting banana and gorilla emojis on social media (SNS), is set to face disciplinary action.

The Korea Professional Football League announced on the 10th to StarNews that "Bandeira will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee." According to the league, the committee will convene on Thursday the 13th in the morning. The league has already sent an official document to the Cheongju club regarding the matter.

The incident occurred immediately after the 20th round league match against Suwon Samsung held on the 1st. At the time, the match was surrounded by controversy over referee decisions, amplifying the impact. Bandeira first shared a post from an acquaintance featuring seven bananas on his SNS, followed by reposting game footage containing two bananas and a gorilla emoji. Bananas and gorillas are recognized in the football community as symbols used to demean specific racial groups.

As the controversy grew, the following day Bandeira explained, "A friend of African descent living in Portugal posted this to celebrate my assist record," adding, "In Portugal, assists are expressed with bananas." While emphasizing that he had no intention of racial discrimination by mentioning his parents' African origins, he bowed his head and stated, "I am learning about the importance of Korean culture, sensibilities, and social responsibility. I will act more carefully in the future." Previously, the league had requested the club to submit a statement of facts to investigate the situation.

Despite Bandeira's explanation, the Disciplinary Committee is proceeding with its session. Last year, Tanos, a coach affiliated with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, was also involved in an incident where he scratched an official's eye while protesting a referee decision. He claimed there was no intent of racial discrimination and even requested a retrial, but it was rejected. At that time, the league's Disciplinary Committee ruled the act as discriminatory regardless of intent, confirming a five-match suspension and a fine of 20 million won.

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*This content was translated by AI.