A Brazilian footballer has been arrested for inflicting a shocking attack on a referee.
On Monday, Sao Paulo RS's away game against Gurani was abandoned when their player William Ribeiro kicked the referee in the head while he lay on the turf.
Gurani were winning 1-0 and the official Rodrigo Crivellaro called for a foul against Ribeiro in the early stages of the second half.
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Ribero was utterly incensed with the decision and unleashed the violent assault, which left Crivellaro unconscious and forced to be taken to hospital.
In the appalling footage, Gurani players held Ribeiro back and soon riot police arrived on the pitch.
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An ambulance also turned up to treat the man in the middle, who was then transferred to a nearby facility in Venancio Aires.
Local reports say he did then come around but still needed to be attended to by doctors.
As for the assailant, he was immediately detained and taken to the local police station and is facing serious criminal charges.
Delvid Goulart Pereira, president of Sao Paulo RS, confirmed Ribeiro's contract has been ripped up.
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"Unfortunate, regrettable and above all revolting," he said in a strong statement.
"On the exact day when all the red-green family gathered to celebrate the 113th anniversary of Sao Paulo RS, our club faced one of the saddest episodes of its history, a fateful scene that shocked all people who love not only Gaucho football but all those who just love the sport in general.
"Rest assured, we are sorry and deeply ashamed. We send all the apologies in the world to the battered referee and his family as well as apologising to the public in general for the lamentable scene seen today.
"The contract of the offending athlete is terminated. Furthermore, all possible legal measures in relation to the incident will be taken."
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This isn't the first controversial incident Ribeiro has been involved in as he once attacked an opposition supporter.
On this matter, the Gaucho Football Federation (FGF)have said the Court of Sports Justice (TJD-RS) are to "investigate the facts and deal with the respective sanctions".
Topics: Brazil
