In May 2021, Gilberto NogueiraGil do Vigor, was the victim of a homophobic attack by Flávio Koury, counselor of Sport Club do Recife. More than a year after the case, the economist and ex-BBB became director of the club’s inclusion and diversity department.
Gil’s entry into the position came after the victory of yuri romãowho received 96.5% of the votes to be re-elected as president of the club from Pernambuco, surpassing his opponent Luciano Biva.
“It worked out! With more than 96% of the votes. I feel very honored and we are going to work”, celebrated Gil on social networks. “For Sport EVERYTHING”, he added.
It worked out! With more than 96% of the votes. I feel too honored and let’s work! For SPORT EVERYTHING. https://t.co/FQS5YOMIw6
— GIL DO VIGOR (@GilDoVigor) December 16, 2022
remember the case
In a leaked audio, adviser Flávio Koury was heard making homophobic statements about a video in which Gil appears dancing with the Sport shirt during a visit he made to the club’s stadium.
“1.2 million views. arretado. 1.2 million people thinking that Sport is only fags, only p***, only chickens, only fags. It’s good, very good, an arretado marketing. Go sell the shirt, boy. The whole viadagem will buy, it will be beautiful ”, said Koury in the recording, generating public revolt on social networks.
Part II
Lawyer Flavio Koury on Gil do Vigor’s dance in Sport: “1.2 million views. arretado! 1.2 million people thinking that Sport is only gay, only gay. Will sell is shirt. The whole trip will buy… It will be beautiful!” https://t.co/dbDMfvOHhW pic.twitter.com/AU6v60ROmq
— José Matheus Santos (@matheuscomunica) May 14, 2021
After the release of the audio, Gil expressed himself and vented about the pain he felt when he heard Koury’s words but stated that he would not lose his joy and that he would take the necessary measures.
First homophobic attack I come across after the BBB and I can assure you, it still hurts A LOT! But I remain firm and measures will be taken. Taking the day off so I don’t lose my joy for everything I’ve been living…… It’s a lot of pain!
— GIL DO VIGOR (@GilDoVigor) May 14, 2021
After the event, the players entered the field wearing T-shirts that paid homage to the economist, with the nickname “do Vigor” in each one’s name, in addition to a banner with the phrase “No to homophobia”.
Sport players entered the field in the final of the Pernambuco championship with personalized shirts in honor of Gil do Vigor and the captain’s armband has the 🏳️🌈
The shirts will also be sold and all proceeds will be donated to an LGBT NGO in Recife. pic.twitter.com/qeDgvbJbvz
— Fabio Felix (@fabiofelixdf) May 16, 2021
Despite the support provided by the fans and the team, Sport’s board decided not to punish Flávio Koury, leading to the resignation of Romero Albuquerque, who was responsible for leaking the audios and condemning Koury’s attitude.
In a note, Sport expressed itself saying that “Sport Club do Recife belongs to everyone” and affirming that it does not agree with the attitude of the Deliberative Council, but said that it could not intervene in the decisions taken by it.
— Sport Club do Recife (@sportrecife) November 10, 2021
In a video for TV Globo, Gil do Vigor was disappointed with the decision: “I am saddened by the fact that homophobia continues to be naturalized. And even with the support of the fans, people… I am so grateful, thanks to the Sport fans, to the players but, unfortunately, I did not feel the same support from all instances, from people who need to learn”, he declared.
