This is the moment a police officer with a shotgun shoots a goalkeeper in the leg using a rubber bullet at point-blank range.
The horrific incident took place just after the final whistle of a match between Gremio Anapolis and Centro Oeste in Brazil. The shocking footage shows the players seemingly arguing with armed police after the game.
But one of the officers suddenly brandishes a shotgun and pushes one of the players, apparently ordering them to get back. Seconds later – with seemingly no further warning – the officer cocks the shotgun.
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He then fires a rubber bullet at Gremio Anapolis goalkeeper Ramon Souza, who immediately cries out in pain and limps away in agony. The incident unfolded immediately after the 12th round of the Access Division of the Goiano Championship, on the evening of Wednesday, July 10.
Upsetting images quickly made the rounds after being shared online. Photos showed the player lying on the pitch with his leg bandaged and covered in blood, as a member of medical staff poured water on the wound to remove blood, and the victim in agony.
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(Image: Newsflash)
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Souza was taken to hospital for emergency treatment and his club later published an image of the impact of the rubber bullet on his leg.
An investigation into the disturbing incident has now been launched by police in Brazil. Gremio Anapolis said it would ensure the officer responsible would be identified and punished, branding the incident as a “criminal act”.
In a statement, the club said: “Gremio Anapolis comes to the public to repudiate the unfortunate, ridiculous and revolting event, at the Jonas Duarte Stadium, this Wednesday night, for the twelfth round of the Access Division. After the end of the match against Central West, our goalkeeper Ramon Souza was cowardly hit by a rubber bullet, carried out by a police officer.
(Image: Newsflash)
(Image: Newsflash)
“A horrible, unbelievable and criminal act by someone who should value the safety and integrity of the people, who were there at the Jonas Duarte Stadium. July 10th is marked by a violent, dirty and horrible act against one of our players, which will never be forgotten.
“The GEA informs that it will take competent measures, so that the responsible person is punished and that justice is done, so that this CRIMINAL act does not go unpunished. Our goalkeeper was attended on the field by GEA’s doctor, Dr. Diego Bento, who performed first aid.”
(Image: Newsflash)
The Military Police for the state of Goias said “it was immediately determined to open an administrative procedure to investigate the facts with due rigour”. The police also said in a statement that it “reaffirms its commitment to complying with the law, and reiterates that it does not condone any misconduct practiced by its members”.
Centro Oeste won the match 2-1, leaving Gremio in second-to-last place.