09:32 AM
While on Colombian television the goal singers described the yellow and emotional atmosphere that was experienced in the NRG stadium in Houston, Texas, this June 24 in the debut of the Colombian National Team in the Copa América 2024 against the Paraguayan national team, a fact did not go unnoticed by the audience that was there.
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Inside the stadium, match attendees waved a flag with the message: “Out with Petro!” against the president of the Republic, Gustavo Petro. The flag was on one side of one of the stands and there was also room for choruses against the president., reflecting the current political tensions that the country is experiencing and the polarization of Colombians.
Social networks quickly echoed the unusual fact, sharing images of the flag. The reactions were varied, reflecting both support and criticism towards this political demonstration in an international sports context.
Some Internet users asked if it was really necessary to bring a flag with that message to a sports venue, while others showed support for the message. One of the most notable comments was that of the politician and comedian Daniel Samper, who on his social network X said: “Petro will say that he says ‘Petro Force’”.
Samper’s publication quickly went viral, fueling the debate about the relevance of political demonstrations at international sporting events.
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While some consider that the “Fuera Petro!” It is a legitimate expression of citizen discontent and freedom of expression, others believe it is inappropriate in a context where the spirit of national unity through sport should prevail.
Not only did this happen inside the stadium, on the outskirts of the venue, some Colombians also expressed their discontent.
Despite the initial commotion, attention returned to the field when Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma, both assisted by James Rodríguez, scored the goals that led Colombia to a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in their first match in group D of the Copa América 2024.
The harangues against Petro in other football scenarios
This incident is not isolated in the recent history of Colombian football. In November 2023, during a World Cup qualifying match between Colombia and Brazil at the Metropolitan Stadium of Barranquilla, President Petro’s youngest daughter, Antonella, He experienced an uncomfortable moment when the stadium echoed with shouts of “Out with Petro!”
Days later, in Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellín, Chants against the president were heard again during the Antioquian classic between Deportivo Independiente Medellín and Atlético Nacional.
Read more: Colombia has won 4 of its last 5 Copa América debuts, who were the rivals?
