Bragantino Defender Gustavo Marques Suspended 12 Matches for Sexist Comments

SÃO PAULO – Gustavo Marques, a defender for Red Bull Bragantino, has been suspended for 12 matches by the Sports Justice Tribunal of the State of São Paulo (TJD-SP) following sexist remarks directed at referee Daiane Muniz after a Campeonato Paulista quarter-final match. The decision was announced on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Details of the Suspension

In addition to the 12-game suspension, which applies to state competitions, Marques was fined R$ 30,000 (approximately $5,700 USD) for violating articles 243-G (discriminatory acts) and 243-F (offenses to honor) of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code (CBJD). OneFootball and CNN Brasil reported on the ruling.

The Incident

The controversy stemmed from comments made by Marques after Bragantino’s 2-1 defeat to São Paulo on February 21st. In a post-match interview with TNT Brazil, Marques questioned the decision to appoint a woman to referee a match of that magnitude. He stated, “First of all, I want to talk about the refereeing because it’s no utilize playing against São Paulo, Palmeiras, Corinthians and they put a woman to referee a game of this size.” Bolavip detailed the original statement.

Apology and Club Response

Following the backlash, Marques issued an apology on social media, stating he was “nervous and said things I shouldn’t have.” He also apologized directly to referee Daiane Muniz and her assistant. ESPN reported on the apology.

Red Bull Bragantino initially stated they would not comment on the TJD-SP’s decision, having already released an institutional statement regarding the incident. The club had previously fined Marques 50% of his salary and suspended him for one match, with the fine amount donated to the NGO Rendar, which supports vulnerable women in the Bragança Paulista region.

Further Developments

The suspension applies specifically to state competitions and does not prevent Marques from participating in national-level tournaments such as the Brazilian league or the Brazilian Cup.