Football coach sacked by club after head-butting female official
A Brazilian football coach has been sacked by his club after head-butting a lineswoman in shocking scenes.
The incident occurred during a match between Desportivo Ferroviaria and Nova Venecia in the fifth division of a regional tournament in the south-eastern state of Espirito Santo.
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Video has gone viral of the moment Desportivo coach Rafael Soriano lunged at Marcielly Netto with his head after she got involved during an argument with referee Arthur Gomes Rabelo.
Soriano was furious with Rabelo after the referee blew the whistle for half-time before his side could take a corner.
Corners are usually allowed to proceed before half or full-time is called.
The coach angrily remonstrated with Rabelo before things took a horrific turn when Netto became involved.
Soriano could be seen lunging at Netto with his head, with the lineswoman recoiling in shock.
Rabelo immediately issued Soriano a red card as spectators looked on in horror.
Rafael Soriano fired by Desportivo Ferroviaria
Desportivo Ferroviaria has since announced that Soriano has been dismissed by the club.
“We tried to contact the assistant referee Marcielly Netto by phone to offer our apologies and assistance but were unable to reach her," the club claimed.
“We reiterate our commitment to assist in whatever is necessary.
“The club will also offer professional psychological assistance and will carry out actions to combat all types of violence against women inside and outside football stadiums.”
Netto has reportedly filed a police report and declared violence against females in sport “cannot become routine”.
She has become somewhat of a viral sensation in recent times and has amassed over 27,000 followers on Instagram.
The Espirito Santo regional Football Association has also launched an investigation into the incident.
Nova Venecia won the match 3-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the regional cup competition.
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