Footballer who viciously attacked referee on pitch charged with attempted murder
Brazilian footballer William Ribeiro has been charged with attempted murder after kicking a referee in the head and appearing to render him unconscious.
The 29-year-old kicked referee Rodrigo Crivellaro during the second-half of a clash between Sao Paulo de Rio Grande and Guarani de Venancio Aires in the Sao Paulo state’s second tier.
Sao Paulo had just fallen a goal behind when the midfielder violently kicked the official for not awarding his side a free-kick, resulting in Crivellaro being rushed to hospital.
Ribeiro was arrested at the stadium and taken to a local police station while Crivellaro was kept in the local Hospital Sao Sebastiao for checks as reports emerged that he was conscious again.
The referee was kept overnight before being released on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the match had to be abandoned with half-an-hour still to go and was resumed on Tuesday with home-side Guarani winning 1-0.
Police investigator Vinicius Assuncao commented on the assault: “His attack was very strong and violent, kicking the referee in the head and making him pass out.
“The referee had no chance of defending himself."
A judge is now expected to decide whether Ribeiro will remain in custody or is released on bail while an investigation is carried out.
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Ribeiro has meanwhile been sacked by his club in the aftermath of the incident, which tarnished the club’s 113th anniversary.
Club president Deivid Goulart Pereira said in a 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.
“The contract with the aggressor athlete is summarily terminated.
“Furthermore, all possible and legal measures in relation to the incident will be taken.”
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