Wallace de Souza, a gold medallist in volleyball at the Olympics, was given a one-year suspension by the Brazilian Olympic Committee on Monday for his online criticism of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Volleyballer Wallace de Souza was suspended “due to the anti-ethical action of promoting and stimulating violence” on social media, the committee’s ethics council unanimously decided.
Since January 31st, he has been barred from club events after questioning on social media if Lula deserved to be shot in the face. De Souza is an ardent supporter of former Brazilian president and pro-gun activist Jair Bolsonaro. Lula defeated Bolsonaro in the elections held in October, and he took back his position as president on January 1.
De Souza is also prohibited from participating in national events for 90 days as a result of the Olympic Committee’s decision, which keeps him from progressing through the group round of Brazil’s top volleyball league. He represents Cruzeiro, one of the front-runners to win the Brazilian Superleague championship. De Souza assisted Brazil in winning the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, although he has since given up competing internationally.
Volleyballer Wallace de Souza:
After that, he expressed regret. Wallace posted on social media, “I would never advocate violence in any circumstance, certainly less so when it comes to our President. I’m here to apologise because I made a bad posting and I was in error.”
In a statement, the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation stated that it “Rejects any form of violence or incitement to violent action.” The gamer will be the subject of legal action, according to Paulo Pimenta, minister of Brazil’s Social Communication Secretariat. Wallace has three medals from the World Championships to his name and won a silver medal with Brazil in London 2012 as well.
For the unversed, Wallace Leandro de Souza, also known by his stage name Wallace, is a Brazilian volleyball player who has won three South American championships and two Olympic medals. He is a member of the men’s national volleyball team of Brazil.
So, this was all about the Brazilian Volleyballer Wallace de Souza. Also read, Tips to stay hydrated for athletes to boost performance.
