Abel Braga Issues Apology for Controversial Comment on Team’s Pink Training Vests

Abel Braga, the head coach of Brazilian football club Internacional, has publicly apologized for making an inappropriate remark about the team’s pink training vests.

During his unveiling on Sunday, following his appointment to lead the relegation-threatened club for the eighth time, Braga, 73, reflected on a conversation with club director Andres D’Alessandro and made a joking comment that was interpreted as anti-gay.

Braga, who signed a contract with Internacional until the conclusion of the 2025 Brazilian championship without compensation—a condition he requested—took to Instagram shortly after to express his regret. “Fans of Internacional, first of all, I acknowledge that I didn’t make a good statement about the color pink during my press conference.

“Before this spreads, I apologize. Colors don’t define genders. What defines is character. Internacional needs peace and a lot of hard work. Come on, Inter!”

Currently, Internacional finds itself in the relegation zone, tied on points with Santos, who occupy the last safe position, with only two matches remaining in the season.

Historically, the Porto Alegre-based club has faced relegation only once in its 116-year existence.