Journalists left gasping after Brazilian media manager throws cat out of press conference

Reporters covering the World Cup in Qatar have been left stunned after a Brazilian press officer threw a cat our of the press conference.

Instead of gently moving the animal out of shot, the media manager launched it off the table.

Footage has gone viral online and fans aren't best pleased.

Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr was preparing to front the media ahead of Brazil's quarter-final clash with Croatia.

But as the press conference began, a stray cat made its way onto the table where the player was speaking into the microphones and recorders.

Then suddenly, without hesitation, the Brazilian media manager got up out of his chair and grabbed the cat before slinging it onto the ground.

It's hard to make out how far it fell, but it looks like a pretty big drop from the elevated stage.

Journalists in attendance were shocked as gasps rang out around the room.

When someone said something from the crowd in Portuguese, the press officer raised his arms to question what he'd done wrong.

He then looked over at Vinicius Jr and the two started laughing.

The clip of the incident makes for pretty alarming viewing and fans on social media shared the shame sentiment.

One person said: "That is not how you pick up a cat with kindness. Shame!"

As another added: "Abuse animals, abuse people. Disgusting individuals."

While a third replied: "Disgusting scumbag I hope you get the same treatment."

Meanwhile, someone simply asked: "Why did he feel the need to throw it?"

Another social media user weighed in, saying: "As someone who currently has their own cat sitting on them, I now hope Brazil lose just because of this bloke."

Fresh off the back of a 4-1 win over South Korea, Brazil are still the bookies' favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar.

Their victory over the Koreans proved just how lethal they can be in front of goal with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr joining in on the action by bagging the team's first goal of the game.