Journalist slams Palmeiras manager for ‘sexist’ comments in post-match interview

A JOURNALIST has slammed Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira for his "unpleasant" post-match comments.

BandNews FM radio reporter Alinne Fanelli has responded to his remarks during a press conference.

The incident occurred after Palmeiras' 5-0 win over Cuiaba on Saturday.

Fanelli asked Ferreira about an injury picked up by full-back Mayke after he was forced off 21 minutes into his return from a calf problem.

According to Terra, he responded by saying he only owes an explanation to three women - his mother, his wife and Palmeiras club president Leila Pereira.

Following the comments, Fanelli took to social media to issue a response.

In an Instagram post, she wrote: "I leave this episode sad, because I have never had an unpleasant experience like this in 17 years of my career, but I feel strengthened as a professional and, mainly, as a woman."

It comes after Ferreira had also offered an explanation for his remarks in a statement.

The 45-year-old claimed he was not speaking directly to Fanelli with his response and was instead doing so to everyone at the press conference.

He said: "When I give a press conference, I understand that I am not responding directly to the reporter, or to the reporter, who asks me the question, but rather to everyone present at the conference and also to our athletes and fans."

Ferreira also revealed that he had called Fanelli to apologise for the incident.

The former Braga manager has been in charge of Palmeiras since 2020.

He was previously involved in a separate controversy earlier this month during a cup tie against Flamengo.

Ferreira was sent off for making an X-rated gesture during a 1-0 second leg win.

The Portuguese coach was seen grabbing his crotch in a provocative manner in reaction to a refereeing decision.