Brazil's soccer team faces backlash after mocking Welcome to Country
Footage shows Brazil players laughing during a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony in Townsville, sparking swift backlash from Brazilian and Australian social media users.
The Brazil national soccer team was filmed laughing and covering their faces during a Welcome to Country ceremony in Townsville on Thursday evening. The Wulgurukaba Walkabouts performance group, which included a child, conducted the smoking ceremony to welcome the Seleção before their friendly match against the Socceroos.
Brazil's Instagram initially labelled it a special welcome. However, social media footage showed several players visibly laughing at the cultural ceremony.
Backlash was swift and came from both Brazilians and Australians alike. Brazilian users on social media apologised for their team's behaviour, with some saying it was embarrassing to be Brazilian.
The Socceroos face Brazil in Townsville on September 25 and again in Brisbane on September 29.
- Wulgurukaba Walkabouts
- Performance group
- Townsville, Thursday evening
- Location of ceremony
- September 25 in Townsville
- First match date
- September 29 in Brisbane
- Second match date
Why it mattersThe incident highlights disrespect toward Indigenous Australian cultural practices and reflects poorly on Brazil's professionalism ahead of their tour matches.
AustraliaThe incident occurred in Australia and involved Australia's national soccer team's opponents, affecting public perception of Brazil's respect for Indigenous culture.
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