Abel Braga Issues Apology for Anti-Gay Remark Regarding Team’s Training Gear

Abel Braga, the head coach of Brazilian club Internacional, has issued an apology for a remark he made regarding the team’s pink training vests that was deemed anti-gay.

During his unveiling on Sunday, following his return to lead the relegation-threatened team for an eighth time, the 73-year-old coach recalled a conversation with club director Andres D’Alessandro and jokingly made a comment that was inappropriate in nature.

Braga, who signed a contract with Internacional through the end of the 2025 Brazilian championship without remuneration—a condition he requested himself—later took to Instagram to express his regret. In his message, he stated: “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 position of safety with only two games remaining. Notably, the Porto Alegre-based club has only been relegated once in its 116-year history.