Players from Brazilian professional women’s clubs protested this weekend against the return to the Santos bench of coach Kleiton Lima, accused last year of sexual and moral harassment by several athletes.
The players of Atlético Mineiro and América Mineiro posed together in a photo in which they covered their mouths, before the start of their disputed match in the municipality of Contagem, for the Brazilian women’s championship.
The number 19 as a symbol
Atletico Mineiro defender Layza, holder of number 19, was notably photographed with her back turned and a player from America Mineiro lifted the club jersey bearing the same number. Earlier in the week, two other players showed the number 19 on their jerseys during a meeting between Palmeiras and Avai Kindermann.
Gestures in reference to 19 anonymous letters sent last September by players to the Santos board of directors, and which accused 49-year-old Brazilian coach Kleiton Lima of “moral and sexual harassment”, particularly during training or related activities. at the club.
Lima, who denies the allegations, resigned when the accusations were highlighted by local media. However, in the absence of evidence according to the Brazilian club, he then returned to Santos at the beginning of April.
“These were extremely weak and fragile arguments that needlessly tarnished the history of Santos,” said Thais Picarte, coordinator of the club’s women’s football section. The players denounce a botched investigation, during which the complainants were not listened to.
Friday, during a match between Santos and Corinthians, played at home, the players of the Paulista club also covered their mouths and ears during the national anthem, in front of coach Kleiton Lima, present on the bench. The latter coached the Sao Paulo club three times, and was also coach of the Brazilian women’s national team, with whom he won the Copa America in 2010.