First NFL game in South America sees green clash at Corinthians
Corinthians face colour clash as Packers play in São Paulo
Brazilian football club Corinthians, hosting South America’s first NFL game, has a notorious aversion to the colour green. A decade ago, executives even attempted to paint the field black. Players face fines for wearing green, and sponsors must adapt to the club’s preferences. This effort aims to distance Corinthians fans from local rivals Palmeiras, their century-old adversaries. On Friday, however, the NeoQuimica Arena will be filled with green as the Green Bay Packers face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL season’s second game in São Paulo.
The Eagles, technically the home team, will don black helmets, white shirts, and black trousers to attract Brazilian supporters, matching Corinthians’ colours. This decision followed a request from the club president, who insisted that green is only for visiting teams. A club official, speaking anonymously, confirmed this.
The Packers will sport their traditional white, yellow, and green jerseys, mirroring Brazil’s national flag. Many Palmeiras supporters, among the 45,000 expected attendees, have vowed on social media to wear green and support the Packers. Writer Celso Unzelte, who has authored numerous books on football, explained the deep-rooted rivalry. Founded in 1910, Corinthians faced Palestra Italia (now Palmeiras) four years later, with Bianco Gambini, a former Corinthians player, joining Palestra Italia and intensifying the rivalry.
Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil uses the exact type of playing surface as the #Eagles and #Packers do at Lambeau and the Linc. (Desso Grassmaster).
Oddly enough, they are the only 2 Teams in the NFL who use this type of turf/grass.
Both teams will feel right at home. pic.twitter.com/7P76DTqAu7
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) September 3, 2024
The animosity peaked in 1969 after a car crash killed two Corinthians players, and only Palmeiras opposed replacing them. Journalist and former Corinthians academy player Renato Messina, now 75, has never worn green since. The club’s disdain for green has been evident since the 1970s, with fans chanting “take it off” at anyone wearing the colour in the stands. This tradition remains strong, especially as Corinthians struggle financially while Palmeiras secures major titles.
In December 2012, just after Palmeiras’ relegation, Corinthians refused green warm-up vests at the Club World Cup final in Japan, opting for Chelsea’s red ones instead. Corinthians won 1-0. Claudia Luane, a dedicated supporter, travelled to Tokyo and avoids wearing green, cheering against Palmeiras in all sports. However, she admires the Packers for being community-owned, likening them to Corinthians.
Despite Corinthians’ current relegation battle, fans like Luane remain loyal, filling the stadium. She believes the Packers share this community spirit, even if they wear green.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Packerforum – The Packers’ first game of the season will be played against the Eagles in Brazil, and if they have to play overseas, it’s better to do so at the start of the season rather than in the middle.(read more)
- Yahoo Sports reports that the team hosting the NFL game in Brazil, Corinthians, rejects the green colors of the Packers and Eagles due to a soccer rivalry, leading to a unique uniform choice for the Eagles.(read more)
- Associated Press reports that the NFL game in Brazil features a unique color scheme to avoid soccer rivalry, with the Eagles wearing Corinthians’ colors and the Packers in Brazil’s national colors.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why does Corinthians dislike the color green?
Green is associated with their rival Palmeiras, leading to a longstanding tradition of avoiding the color.
What happens if a Corinthians player wears green?
Players can be fined for wearing green clothes or boots.
Why are the Eagles wearing black and white in their game at NeoQuimica Arena?
To respect Corinthians’ tradition and avoid wearing green, which is only allowed for visiting teams.
How did the rivalry between Corinthians and Palmeiras start?
The rivalry began when Bianco Gambini, a former Corinthians player, joined Palmeiras, intensifying the competition.
What was a significant event that heightened the rivalry between Corinthians and Palmeiras?
In 1969, Palmeiras refused to allow Corinthians to replace two players killed in a car crash, increasing animosity.
