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Has Colombia’s World Cup jersey become a right-wing symbol?
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Supporters of far-right candidate for president of Colombia, Abelardo De La Espriella, during a rally in the city of Medellin, Colombia, on May 24.
PHOTO: RIOS ESCOBAR/NYTIMES
Luis Ferre-Sadurni and Annie Correal
BOGOTA, Colombia – Just days before the World Cup, thousands of Colombians across the country emerged wearing the national team’s soccer jersey, turning the streets into a sea of bright yellow.
But Colombians were not out en masse to cheer the country’s beloved soccer team. They were voting on May 31 for Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing presidential candidate who had urged supporters to wear the jersey during the final days of his campaign.
