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Pele's Racism Fears Over Argentina Match

April 22, 2005

World Cup legend Pele has admitted his concerns over possible racism at June's World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires between Argentina and Brazil after Brazilian police arrested an Argentine player on the field last week for alleged racist insults. Quilmes defender Leandro Desabato was held in custody for 40 hours on charges of slander aggravated by racism after a first half incident with striker Grafite, sent off for retaliation during Sao Paulo's 3-1 win in a Libertadores Cup match. "There's always been a big rivalry between Brazil and Argentina and you can imagine what it'll be like now," Pele told the Estado news agency this week. "Obviously, it's not going to be a tranquil game but you can be sure that the referees and FIFA will have to take precautions because it could be a dangerous match."