By Maira Magro
Three managers of the Brazilian soccer team Palmeiras attacked news photographer Thiago Vieira, of the newspaper Agora (owned by media company Folha), because they felt "offended" by comments sent out via Twitter, reported Folha.com.
According to Terra, during the election for soccer club president on Jan. 19, the photojournalist published the following messages on Twitter: “Waiting for the pigs to decide if they are people or pigs...” and “While the pigs can't decide, more snacks and soft drinks could be sent to the [people] in the press room."
Originally an insult by their rivals, the team's unofficial mascot has become the pig.
Upon finding out about the comments, the Palmeiras soccer director, Wlademir Pescarmona, and two other managing directors, tried to throw the photographer out of the training center, even to the point of pushing, shaking and shouting.
Vieira left, accompanied by two Palmeiras employees. The soccer team announced on Twitter that the photographer would not be allowed to continue covering Palmeiras. According to Folha.com, Vieira was fired from Agora, which condemned the attitude of the sports team and the photographer's comments on Twitter.
For more information about other social media-related firings, see the Knight Center's social media freedom of expression Twitter feed.
Note from the editor: This story was originally published by the Knight Center’s blog Journalism in the Americas, the predecessor of LatAm Journalism Review.
