It may have begun as a harmless joke, but Brazilian club Fluminense have had to issue an official request to get supporters to refrain from dressing like the Taliban.
By Declan Whooley
In fact not only have the supporters resorted to dressing akin to terrorists, even some of the players, such as Brazilian international Fred, have got in on the act.
The unusual campaign began after the club was defeated in a match for the South American Copa Libertadores and supporters went on Twitter to ask players and other fans to “show their warrior spirit” and join the campaign.
Wearing the club crest over their mouths, they tried to show that warrior spirit though Fluminense has responded by issuing a statement asking their fans to refrain from such actions.
“The intentions of those who began this movement and have joined it clash with the Taliban’s image, who are terrorists and not healthy warriors. That is why Fluminense Football Club denounces this campaign.”
The controversial campaign
With the spotlight firmly on Brazilian authorities ahead of the World Cup next year, this reaction was inevitable.
We know the South Americans are a passionate bunch, but a direct call for violence was probably a step too far.
