Players Call Foul After Pepper Spray Attack
10:52am UK, Thursday March 25, 2010
James Jordan, Sky News Online
A footballer who refused to leave the pitch after he was red-carded got more than a fine and suspension after riot police attacked him with pepper spray.
The flash-point happened in a Brazilian football match between lower-league teams Genus and Moto Clube.
Genus player Robson refused to head for an early bath when the ref showed him a red card for a nasty tackle in the 64th minute.
Instead he and four team-mates berated the man in black, who felt so threatened he called on police.
Clad in full riot gear and brandishing shields and batons, four officers at first tried to escort Robson off the pitch.
When he resisted they pulled out their pepper-sprays and gave him and the other players a blast in the face.
I will talk to the Police Chief to take all measures necessary. If the policemen overreacted, they will be punished for that.
Joao Cahula, Rondonia State Vice-Governor
Unsurprisingly, the referee was forced to suspend the match and the teams have been ordered to play it again at a later date.
However, the President of Genus has asked for the result to stand despite trailing 3-0 at the time.
It seems there is further trouble ahead for Genus as seven players - including the red-carded Robson - and the coach have since resigned because of what happened.
Rondonia State Vice-Governor, Joao Cahula, has promised to investigate the incident.
"I will talk to the Police Chief to take all measures necessary," he said. "If the policemen overreacted, they will be punished for that."
Good clip of it happening at the below Sky LINK.
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