A Brazilian footballer who moved to Ireland to learn English has opened up about the vile abuse and racism he’s experienced while playing here.
Felipe Assunção, who has previously had professional stints in Brazil with clubs Grêmio Barueri and Boa Esporte, revealed he has been called the “N-word” and a “monkey” in matches.
In an interview with The Irish Mirror, the 32-year-old from São Paulo in Brazil lifted the lid on the racist abuse he has received on the pitch since moving to Ireland in January.
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Felipe, who spoke through a translator, explained: “I haven’t been playing football that long in Ireland but in the short time that I have, I’ve experienced constant racism. I’ve been called the N-word and a monkey.
“I just want to play in peace. During my first-ever game in Ireland, after I scored, I heard some people shout something at me.
“My English isn’t great but I got the impression it was racist. My teammate confirmed it was after the game.
“When playing in Brazil, people might shout at you ‘you can’t play properly’ or ‘you’re sh*t’ whereas in Ireland it’s mainly racial slurs.
“I heard a lot of stuff about playing in Ireland before I moved here but I wanted to find out for myself but I want to make it clear, I have nothing against Ireland.
“All we want to do is play football. We want to play by the rules and for everybody to go home at the end of the game.”
Felipe revealed he decided to cut his professional career short so he could move to Ireland to learn English.
He explained: “Ireland is a really nice place and I have a nice life here but I also had a nice life in Brazil.
“I owned a clothing store back home and a few mobile phone shops. I had my own businesses and I gave up a lot to come to Ireland to study."
Felipe added: “If an Irish person went to play football in Brazil, they would be respected just like a Brazilian so I would like that to happen here.
“Brazillians are good players but Irish people can also play.”
When asked why he decided to speak out, Felipe said: “I want other Brazilians to know that Ireland is not a place you should be afraid of. This is somewhere you can live without problems.
“A couple of bad Irish people don’t stain the entire country’s reputation but you have to be careful at the same time.”
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