FOOTBALL: IN BRAZIL, A POLICEMAN SHOOTS A PLAYER AT POINT-BLANK RANGE

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A police officer fired a flashball at the Grêmio Anapolis goalkeeper on Wednesday after the end of a second division match of a regional championship in Brazil. A regrettable incident denounced by the victim’s club and relayed by several media outlets.

A bad night for Grêmio Anapolis and an even more difficult night for Ramon Souza. After his team’s home defeat against Centro Oeste (1-2), the goalkeeper of the club from the local championship of Goiás (regional D2) was the victim of a flashball shot from a police officer.

Taken aback by the incidents with the supporters at the final whistle, a police officer in charge of security in the stadium fired and hit the goalkeeper in the left leg with a rubber bullet.

“A horrible, unbelievable and criminal act”

Immediately taken to the pitch, Ramon Souza received first aid to clean his bloodied leg and was then evacuated on a stretcher and by ambulance to a hospital. His club has since confirmed via a message on social networks that his life is not in danger and that he will not need to be amputated.

A few weeks after his arrival at the club, Ramon Souza probably hoped for a better integration at Grêmio Anapolis. The club based in the state of Goiás denounced this serious incident.

“A horrible, unbelievable and criminal act by someone who should care about the safety and integrity of those present at the Jonas Duarte stadium,” Grêmio Anapolis denounced in its statement. “July 10 is marked by a violent, dirty and horrible act against one of our players, which will never be forgotten.”

The club wants “justice to be done”

Several Brazilian media outlets have picked up the story, such as ESPN and O Globo , and share the Anapolis club’s indignation. After Ramon Souza’s serious injury, Grêmio Anapolis demanded justice for its goalkeeper and demanded an exemplary sanction against the person who took the shot.

“GEA informs that it will take appropriate measures, so that the person responsible is punished and justice is done, so that this CRIMINAL act does not go unpunished,” Grêmio Anapolis continued on Instagram.

The controversy has become so widespread in Brazil that the Ministry of Sports has issued a statement in support of Ramon Souza and the Grêmio Anapolis club.

“This episode reinforces the urgency of a review of procedures, ensuring that police action is always guided by respect for human rights and the protection of individuals,” the government body reacted via a message published on its website . “We reaffirm our confidence in the ability of the competent authorities to conduct a rigorous and transparent investigation, leading to the accountability of those involved and the implementation of measures to prevent the repetition of such events. It is imperative to restore confidence in police action, in order to ensure that episodes of violence do not become commonplace on football pitches.”