When the NFL announced that it would hold its first-ever game in Brazil — an opening week matchup between the Eagles and Packers on a Friday — safety became a common topic around the matchup in São Paulo’s Arena Corinthians.
One remark, in particular, from Josh Jacobs started a narrative about what fans were even allowed to wear.
Back in June, Jacobs claimed that the league told the Packers and Eagles not to wear green due to gang-related risks. The comments had fans perplexed given that both teams have green as a primary color.
But fear not because Jacobs mischaracterized the actual situation around the color.
In São Paulo, there is an intense soccer rivalry between the clubs Corinthians and Palmeiras. The primary color for Palmeiras is green, and in certain areas, Corinthians supporters don’t take kindly to Palmeiras fans. And typically, Arena Corinthians — where the game is taking place — prohibits green as a precaution against hooliganism. For Friday’s game, though, green will be allowed in the stadium, and fans shouldn’t be afraid to rock those team colors.
The uniforms you'll see on the @packers and @Eagles in Brazil. 🔥 @NFLBrasil
📺: #GBvsPHI – Friday Sep. 6, 8:15pm ET on Peacock pic.twitter.com/XBS8XN399T
— NFL (@NFL) August 30, 2024
The NFL and State Department both refuted the claim. And there certainly isn’t a nationwide ban on the color green (just look at Brazil’s flag!). It’s simply an issue for a specific soccer rivalry in São Paulo.
