Cerro Porteño warns fans: Racist or homophobic gestures could lead to lifetime stadium ban

Cerro Porteño has banned its fans from making racist or homophobic gestures and comments, warning that those responsible could be banned “for life” from its matches. The announcement came just hours before the Paraguayan side hosts Palmeiras

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Cerro Porteño has banned its fans from making racist or homophobic gestures and comments, warning that those responsible could be banned “for life” from its matches. The announcement came just hours before the Paraguayan side hosts Palmeiras in the second leg of their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 series.

“Racist or homophobic gestures and comments are prohibited,” Cerro Porteño said in a statement shared on social media.

The club also warned that such behavior could result in significant financial penalties for Cerro Porteño, in addition to direct consequences for those responsible.

“People who commit these types of violations will be identified. The club will take the appropriate action and impose the corresponding sanctions, which could even include a lifetime ban from any Cerro Porteño match,” the club added.

Cerro Porteño tightens measures ahead of Palmeiras clash

The Paraguayan club, known as 'El Ciclón,' also told supporters that disturbances, throwing objects and using pyrotechnics will not be permitted during the match against Palmeiras.

Fans were also asked to report any such incidents to security personnel at the stadium.

The warning comes amid previous incidents involving the two clubs in the Copa Libertadores.

In 2022, CONMEBOL fined Cerro Porteño $100,000 over racist behavior by some of its supporters during a Copa Libertadores Round of 16 match against Palmeiras.

In May 2025, the Paraguayan club again condemned the actions of one of its supporters following gestures directed at Palmeiras players during the Copa Libertadores group stage.

Earlier that year, in March, CONMEBOL fined the team currently coached by Ariel Holan $50,000 following another racist incident involving supporters and Palmeiras players during the U-20 Copa Libertadores.

Earlier this February, CONMEBOL launched its “Respect Starts” campaign aimed at fighting racism, violence and discrimination in Latin American stadiums.

“With this campaign, we are sending a clear and strong message: there is no place for racism, violence or discrimination,” CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez said at the time.