Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gestures during the signing of the new law increasing the annual adjustment of the minimum wage at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on 28 August 2023. (Evaristo SA/AFP)

Riode Janeiro – Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sparked controversythis week after making a joke about violence against women.

Ata forum of ministers and business leaders Brasilia, Lula described new dataabout an increase in abuse against women as “sad news”.

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Then,reacting to a study which found such abuse often occurs after football matches,the 78-year-old leader joked that “If the guy is a Corinthians fan, it’sOK”, in reference to his favourite team.

Thecomments, broadcast live on Tuesday, triggered widespread condemnation.

“Besidesnot being funny, Lula’s comment normalises a Brazilian tragedy that shouldworry everyone, especially the president: at least 10 600 women have beenvictims of femicide since 2015,” Amnesty International wrote on X.

TheNGO referred to the report that found physical aggression against womenincreases by 21% on game days, saying: “It’s not OK.”

Far-rightex-president Jair Bolsonaro, himself often criticised for misogynism, also tookto social media to berate the “nonsense” uttered by Lula.

Therewere also reprimands from within the president’s leftist ranks, withcongresswoman Fernanda Melchionna posting on X that: “Domestic violence isno joke.”