Footballer channels Eric Cantona and kung-fu kicks taunting fan within the head

Jorge Jimenez was turning out for Brazilian side Chapecoense when he channelled his inner Eric Cantona and kung-fu kicked a taunting fan during a pitch invasion

A Brazilian footballer has channeled his inner Eric Cantona and kung-fu kicked a pitch-invading fan.

Jorge Jimenez turned out for Chapecoense as their Santa Catarina State Championship final with Avai descended into chaos on Saturday evening.

The pair had drawn 2-2 last week, setting up a tense finale at the Ressacada in Florianopolis. And with the teams level again, tempers flared as Giovanni Augusto saw red for Chapecoense before four of their bench were dismissed after clashing over a penalty decision.

The clash finished 1-1, and Avai took the title as they had finished higher in the league stage. Avai supporters stormed the pitch in delight after the full-time whistle.

One fan made a beeline towards the travelling Chapecoense squad – and Jimenez had seen enough. The midfielder leapt in the air, a la Cantona against Crystal Palace, kicking the fan hard in the back and knocking him to the floor.

He then appeared to aim another kick at the fan, who was now on the ground. Jimenez would also lash out at a separate fan who was also on the field.

In a statement, Chapecoense said: “Chapecoense wishes to publicly state that it does not condone any type of violence or aggression. Aware of the facts, the club promptly contacted [Jimenez], who expressed regret for his conduct.

“Since the incident, he has reflected on his actions and understands that impulsive reactions are not in keeping with the responsibility he carries as a professional footballer.

“He reiterated his commitment to learning from this episode and avoiding any similar situation in the future.”

Jimenez had been sent off during the game as one of the four players to complain about the penalty. Augusto, who was on the pitch, was sent off for his complaints.

And Brazilian outlet Globo have claimed that Augusto had to be removed from the field by Santa Catarina Military Police.

“I didn’t say anything,” Augusto moaned. “If I said anything, it was ‘You’re kidding me’. He gave me a yellow card and then a red card. He’s been acting maliciously since the beginning of the game.

“Only we know what’s going on, and he’s simply doing this out of ego and vanity.”