Ronaldinho Targeted by Ape Slur, Queretaro Make Carlos Manuel Trevino Statement

Ronaldinho's surprise move to Mexican side Queretaro has been overshadowed by alleged racist comments from Carlos Manuel Trevino, a local politician who is reported to have called the Brazilian legend "an ape" in a derogatory Facebook post.

Trevino posted the comments after becoming outraged by the commotion caused in the city ahead of Ronaldinho's unveiling. Queretaro have now issued a statement demanding an "exemplary punishment" against Trevino, per Jo Tuckman of The Guardian.

Marca provided further quotes from the club's official response:

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Racial discrimination is a serious social problem which hurts people's dignity. Club Gallos Blancos de Queretaro vehemently rejects all forms of racism and discrimination.

[...] Racism, xenophobia, gender inequality and other discriminatory practices are a form of violence which we need to eradicate as a society.

"

Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

Trevino's comments appeared on Facebook before being deleted. He is a member of the conservative National Action Party and former Minister for Social Development in Queretaro, noted during Marca's report. His comments were posted in full on the Spanish website:

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I'm really trying to be tolerant, but I hate football and the way it makes everyone turn into idiots. I hate it even more because people flood the streets and block my way, meaning it takes two hours to get home, and all just to see an ape; a Brazilian, but an ape nonetheless. This circus has become absolutely ridiculous.

"

Ronaldinho's future had been the subject of much speculation before he decided to join the recently reformed Liga MX side. The 34-year-old was reportedly courted by English sixth-tier side Basingstoke Town and Indian Super League side Chennai Titans before settling on Queretaro, per BBC Sport.

The Mexican team currently sit eighth after eight matches in the national division, winning three matches this season. Although Ronaldinho is yet to kick a competitive ball for the squad that features four other Brazilians, per WhoScored.com, Trevino's comments indicate the player will have to deal with unwanted attention.

Supporters have been quick to denounce Trevino's post, with #TodosSomosSimios (or #WeAreAllApes), trending in Mexico last weekend, per Tuckman. Jose Baez, regional leader of the aforementioned political party Trevino represents, also confirmed a desire to expel his offending colleague from the setup, as noted in Tuckman's post.

Unfortunately for Ronaldinho, this isn't the first time his long and illustrious career has seen racist slurs aimed in his direction. Sid Lowe of The Guardian memorably charted the former Barcelona star's defiance against abusers during his time in Spain, where incidents of racism in football occur regularly.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

While most disparaging comments stem from the stands, Trevino's outburst is remarkable for his position of power and inability to anticipate public backlash. This is a man who has the power to make an impact on the local community, denouncing an arrival that could be extremely profitable for the city.

Ronaldinho has the power to bring positive attention to the municipality that many around the world wouldn't be aware of had he chosen to sign elsewhere. Trevino's comments have travelled across the globe and shroud the ground-breaking move in controversy.

Queretaro's new player confirmed he chose the club because he hasn't "ever won anything in Mexico," per Tuckman. Ronaldinho may already regret this decision in light of Trevino's comments, but he will be hoping he still possesses the quality on the pitch to make his own local and global headlines.