Sao Paulo RS, footballer William Ribeiro has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly kicking a referee in the neck while playing.
Ribeiro attacked match official Rodrigo Crivellaro and knocked him out cold in the second half of Monday’s game against Guarani. As a result, Delvid Goulart, president of Sao Paulo RS, revealed that the player’s contract had been terminated.
‘Unfortunate, regrettable, and above all revolting.
‘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 injured referee and his family as well as apologizing to the public in general for the lamentable scene seen today.
‘The contract of the offending player is terminated. Furthermore, all possible legal measures in relation to the incident will be taken.’ A statement from Goulart
The referee was transported to a hospital in an ambulance, while Ribeiro was removed from the stadium by the police.
