Controversy Clouds Braga's Return to Save Internacional

Abel Braga, a 73-year-old soccer coach, faced backlash after making homophobic comments during his unveiling as coach of Internacional, a Brazilian club battling relegation. Braga apologized on Instagram, emphasizing character over colors, while being tasked with saving his club from the drop in the last two matches.

Abel Braga, the 73-year-old coach who recently returned from retirement to aid Internacional against relegation, quickly found himself embroiled in controversy. Just hours into his new role, Braga made homophobic comments during his introductory press conference in Porto Alegre, which sparked immediate backlash.

The incident began when Braga relayed a conversation with sporting director Andres D'Alessandro, dismissing the idea of his team training in pink shirts, stating they would resemble a 'team of faggots.' Despite his assertion that the comment was meant in a 'light-hearted tone,' the backlash on social media was swift and forceful.

In response, Braga took to Instagram to apologize, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his remarks and asserting that character, not colors, defines individuals. Meanwhile, Internacional, needing wins in their final two games, aims to stave off relegation with Braga, a club legend, at the helm.

(With inputs from agencies.)