Flamengo executive Bap sparks controversy by wearing club jacket at Fluminense funeral
A gesture by Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, better known as Bap, during the funeral service for Paulo Angioni—a former Fluminense football director who also had a stint with the Rubro-Negro—has sparked significant backlash and outrage on social media. The incident occurred last Sunday (13) at the Fluminense headquarters, where the Flamengo official arrived wearing a jacket resembling the club’s third kit.
Outrage on Social Media
Many Fluminense supporters viewed Bap‘s choice of attire as provocative and disrespectful, particularly given that the club’s statutes prohibit the wearing of rival team apparel on its premises. Comments such as, “What a disgraceful institution Flamengo is. They can’t even show decency at a funeral,” and “Lack of respect,” went viral, highlighting the public’s discontent.
Differing Perspectives
Conversely, some fans and journalist Pedro Paulo Catonho, from Coluna do Fla, defended Bap. They argue that Paulo Angioni played a significant role at Flamengo in the 1990s and that the president’s attire was intended as a tribute to the late executive. Bap‘s statement in an interview with ‘FluminenseTV’ also reinforced this sentiment: “It is a very difficult moment. Today there is no Flamengo, there is no Fluminense… Today, everyone is with Paulo.”
The episode underscores the intense rivalry between the Rio de Janeiro clubs, which often transcends the pitch and sparks heated debates, even during moments of mourning and commemoration. The situation has reignited the conversation regarding the boundaries of rivalry and decorum during solemn events.
