Show Racism the Red Card launched in Guatemala!

FIF-PRO receives reports of racism in Guatemala national League football and action is taken.

“We are appalled that there apparently is a concerted attempt to abuse Milton Núñez. This is sickening. This needs to be addressed by the Guatemalan football federation that must immediately outline steps to prevent further abuse of Milton and his colleagues."

Tony Higgins, FIF-PRO

FIF-PRO, the world players union, has reported on their website that Milton Nunez a professional footballer playing for Universidad San Carlos in the Guatemalan Premier League had been racially abused during league games three times in three weeks.

On the last occasion, (February 17th), Milton was subjected to racist monkey chants by opposition supporters (again) and in the 26th minute removed his shirt and shorts and left the field of play in protest. The referee then showed him a red card for leaving the field of play. It is reported that Milton has considered retiring from the game because of racism.

Tony Higgins, spokesperson for FIF-Pro on anti-racism said “‘It would be a very sad day for the worldwide football family if Milton Núñez would terminate his career due to the disgraceful behavior of hooligans.

“We are appalled that there apparently is a concerted attempt to abuse Milton Núñez. This is sickening. This needs to be addressed by the Guatemalan football federation that must immediately outline steps to prevent further abuse of Milton and his colleagues.

"We need strong words, but more importantly strong action is required.”

Guatemalan press reports that on February 22nd Club Heredia was fined 15,000 quetzals ($1930 USD) for the racial abuse of their fans. This is the first punishment of its kind in Guatemalan football.

Milton, who had a spell at Sunderland AFC said “‘I don’t want to upset anyone. Let’s hope it will be understood that my struggle is to make a better country”.