When news surfaced last month about a double murder committed during a Football match in Brazil, the world could hardly believe it. Referee Otavio Da Silva and Footballer Josenir dos Santos were the victims of these brutal killings. The murders occured after Dos Santos was ordered to leave the field by Referee Da Silva. After refusing to do so, Da Silva brandished a knife and fatally stabbed Dos Santos (who later died on the way to the hospital). Fans soon became outraged and stormed the pitch, brutally taking matters in to there own hands by killing Da Silva. After the gruesome murder (in which Da Silva was decapitated), fans then dragged his body for some time before dismembering the corpse. A court of law, The Police Department's report and a Coroner's inquest will not be a happy place in the aftermath of this brutal tragedy.
Instead of deciphering who was right or wrong or what was the cause of death, we should instead be asking ourselves this question, "Is Brazil a country that's ready to host a World Cup"? The answer, in my opinion, is No. Although Brazil boasts an impressive World Cup record (5 World Cup Wins) and has produced some of the greatest players in history (Pele, Ronaldo, Kaka etc), the country itself is far from being a First World nation. With a widening gap between rich and poor and constant trouble between various factions (Drug Lords, Gangs) and the Police, it's hardly a place you would take your family for a holiday (unless you were under the constant watchful eye of a close friend or relative). And while this latest murder is a shock and sad indictment on the game of Football, sadly it's not uncommon nor is it the first instance in which violence like this has broken out during a Football match in Brazil. Since 1988, there have been approximately 155 Football deaths in Brazil, mostly due to Football violence (hooliganism).
While FIFA likes to adopt the rotation policy when it comes to World Cup host nations (meaning all continents get to have a go), sometimes it is not the best option when deciding on a host country. South Africa 2010 was initially perceived to be a questionable choice, as the country has had a lot of unrest and turmoil going on for over a decade. Now with Brazil 10 months away and this tragedy happening just over a month ago, It seems this is the same case for Brazil. While there is great anticipation and fanfare leading up to this World Cup, one must wonder how much Security will be in place when the tournament kicks off. Although this is a great boost for the Country, and will no doubt generate a lot of revenue for the Brazilian Government, one hopes this World Cup is one of change. A World Cup which will show the rest of the World that this is a new Brazil, a country which will takes giant leaps forward in years to come. But, as long as stories like this emerge (July's brutal murder), it seems like Brazil are still worlds away from the rest of the World.
Written by Alex Stilianos.
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