Brazilian player suspended by club after a ‘sad and ugly’ rant aimed at his own fans

SAO PAULO – A Brazilian soccer team suspended a player who confronted his team’s fans in the middle of a match because they were constantly jeering him.

Internacional said left back Fabricio has been suspended until next week because of his rant during his team’s 1-0 win over Ypiranga in the Rio Grande do Sul state championship on Wednesday. The first-division club said a decision will be made Monday on whether he stays with the team.

“We are all sad about what happened,” Internacional coach Diego Aguirre said. “It was very sad and ugly, something like that shouldn’t happen.”

Fabricio stopped playing midway through the second half and began making obscene hand gestures to fans near the sideline in the southern city of Porto Alegre. He was immediately sent off by the referee.

The 28-year-old defender then ripped off his jersey and threw it to the ground as several teammates unsuccessfully tried to calm him. The crowd of more than 13,000 at Beira-Rio Stadium loudly cheered when the referee ejected him.

“Internacional’s jersey is sacred, he lacked respect for the club,” team president Vitorio Piffero said. “We are not going to rush into any decision right now.”

Veteran Brazil defender Juan was the first to try to no avail to keep Fabricio from removing his jersey.

“He is very emotional, it was in the heat of the match,” Juan said. “I’m sure he will apologize for what happened. He made a mistake.”

The player has a history of problems because of his temper, having made headlines for arguing with coaches, teammates and referees during matches and practices.

As Fabricio left the field, he could be seen telling fans he will never play for the team again.

“I’m leaving. I’m leaving,” he said, as fans yelled and cursed him.

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