The Tweet That United Government and Opposition Supporters in Venezuela · Global Voices
Global Voices Latin America

Santiago, Chile. 11 June 2015 – The Copa América in Chile. Photo by Fernando Lavoz. Copyright Demotix
In Venezuela, the division between pro-Chávez supporters and the opposition has reached unimaginable levels. Even in areas which should unite the country, like sports, they can be used for political gain. However, during the Copa América, the biggest football tournament on the continent, a tweet from former Mexican President Felipe Calderón almost managed the impossible: to bring together the two sides.
Qué pena, qué juego tan sucio del equipo de Venezuela. Parece que los entrenó Maduro… — Felipe Calderón (@FelipeCalderon) June 14, 2015
It's a shame that the Venezuelan football team plays so dirty. [Venezuelan President Nicolás] Maduro must have trained them…
Venezuela overcame one of the favourites, Colombia, 1-0. However, the real shock came from social media, where people came together to defend their national team, regardless of political affiliation.
Con un tuit desgraciado @FelipeCalderon logra unir a opositores y chavistas en #Venezuela. #LaVinotintoNosUne y se respeta. ¿Oyó manito?
— Luz Mely Reyes (@LuzMelyReyes) June 15, 2015
Felipe Calderon's unfortunate tweet manages to unite opposition groups and Chavistas in Venezuela. The Burgundy [Venezuelan football team] unites us and should be respected. You got that, bro?
Felipe Calderón debería pedir disculpas a toda Venezuela , es lo que corresponde por habernos ofendido a TODOS @FelipeCalderon
— Jose Grasso (@josegrasso) June 15, 2015
Felipe Calderón must apologize to the citizens of Venezuela, it's what should be done after offending ALL of us.
Vamos tropa palo con Felipe Calderon Venezuela se respeta pic.twitter.com/wzrH0s2baf
— yomer jose Rodriguez (@yomerjose28) June 14, 2015
Come on troop [a nickname for pro-government organized Twitter users], let's teach Felipe Calderon a lesson, respect for Venezuela