Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio showed off football IQ by allowing indirect free-kick to be scored

Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio showed off his knowledge of the football rulebook, when he allowed Atletico Mineiro to score from an indirect free-kick.

In the 74th minute of the clash in Sao Paulo in November 2023, referee Braulio da Silva Machado stopped the Brasileiro Serie A clash to award the visitors an indirect free-kick from range.

Thousands of fans inside the Neo Química Arena must have been slightly apprehensive given Paulinho's second-half equaliser just moments earlier.

And a large chunk of those supporters winced a little, when their goalkeeper allowed the ball to hit the back of the net. So what happened?

The experienced Cassio, who has made over 400 appearances for Corinthians, recognised that a goal would have been given if he'd touched the ball as it was an indirect free-kick, so he stepped to one side.

As stated in the FA's Laws Of The Game rulebook, if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal then a goal kick is awarded.

Here's how social media reacted to the incident at the time.

One fan wrote: "This might be the coolest geek move in football history," while another commented: "Absolutely no need for it either. He just wanted to show off his ability to interpret the rules on the spot. Love it."

A third said: "The best thing about this is there's absolutely no need whatsoever for the goalkeeper to do that. He's done it purely so he can prove he knows the rule, no other reason."

A fourth commented: "That’s just superb confidence. Brilliant."

A fifth added: "Can't remember the last time I saw an indirect free kick given outside of an offside/back pass."

Corinthians manager Mano Menezes looked far from delighted by Cassio's quick thinking. In fact, the 61-year-old could be seen holding his chest after referee Machado awarded a goal-kick.

That being said, most fans enjoyed the Brazilian's antics as Corinthians held on for a hard-fought point.