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Several voices within the football community quickly countered Pereira's statements. Critics argued that her remarks were not only uninformed but also prejudicial against senior athletes who still wish to compete. The discussion revealed underlying tensions regarding how players of different ages are perceived and treated, especially concerning issues that could endanger their health and careers.
Football commentators noted that Pereira's understanding of the implications of synthetic turf appeared superficial, as she has likely never faced the conditions of a synthetic pitch as a player herself. Thus, many questioned her authority to critique the players’ concerns and suggested that her comments reflected a lack of empathy and knowledge about the struggles facing athletes.