Tai Po have ended Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Mesquita’s contract with immediate effect after alleged racist private messages sparked an online backlash.
The Hong Kong Premier League club announced on Tuesday, 13 October, that both sides had agreed to terminate the deal following an internal disciplinary investigation.
The decision came a day after the club issued a formal written warning and suspended the player from first-team training and matches.
From online exchange to disciplinary action
According to Sing Tao, the controversy began after Mesquita posted about applying for a Hong Kong identity card.
Another social media user directed the term “gweilo” at him. Screenshots circulated online purportedly showed Mesquita replying with racially derogatory and insulting remarks about Chinese people.
Sing Tao reported that the other user subsequently apologised and said the parties had reached an understanding. The screenshots and the full exchange have not been independently authenticated for this article.
Club says player apologised
In its statement, reproduced by Sing Tao, Tai Po said its disciplinary committee had completed its investigation under the club’s internal rules and contractual terms.
The club said it heard Mesquita’s account and considered the impact of the incident before agreeing an early end to his contract.
It added that Mesquita had expressed remorse to the committee and apologised to affected supporters and the wider public.
Tai Po reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on racial discrimination and inappropriate remarks, saying equality and respect were fundamental to professional football.
RTHK reported that the 19-year-old had made two appearances since joining the club this summer.
