A return that does not pass. The coach of the women’s section of the Santos club Kleiton Lima, accused of sexual and moral harassment last year, has returned to his duties, triggering the revolt of the players of the Brazilian championship.
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.
Atletico Mineiro defender Layza, holder of No. 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 No. 19 on their jerseys during a meeting between Palmeiras and Avai Kindermann.
DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST HARASSMENT AND SILENCE.
In the classic between @SereiasDaVila e @SCCPFutFeminino which marks the return of coach Kleiton Lima to Santos, the Corinthians players protested against the silencing of 19 complaints made by athletes against the coach. pic.twitter.com/911klf4qQd
— Dibradoras (@dibradoras) April 12, 2024
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.
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. This in front of coach Kleiton Lima, then on the bench.
🇧🇷 Kleiton Lima left Santos last September after written complaints of sexual and moral harassment of up to 19 footballers
Now it has returned and the players from the different teams protest by covering their mouths, tired of being silenced.
It’s over #jacabo pic.twitter.com/PTLd3ws4VT
— Marta Griñán (@GrinanMarta) April 13, 2024
The latter coached the Sao Paulo club three times (1999-2010, 2022-2023, return in 2024) and notably won two championships there (2007-2009). He was also coach of the Brazilian women’s national team, with whom he won the Copa America in 2010.
