Shocking scenes unfolded during a second-division game in Brazil when a police officer shot a player with a rubber bullet after an on-field scuffle. The incident took place during a match between Gremio Anapolis and Centro Oeste when the latter registered a 2-1 win over their counterparts. According to the Brazilian newspaper Globo, a fight broke out between players and staff from both sides arguing with each other over reasons yet to be reported.
In videos doing rounds, a police officer was spotted shooting a rubber bullet at Germio Annapolis goalkeeper Ramon Souza after the fight. The team went on to slam the incident as a ‘criminal act’ and vowed to ensure the officer who is responsible for the same will be published. The club wrote on Facebook, “Gremio Annapolis 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.”
It added, “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. 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 Military Police of the State of Goias confirmed that it launched an investigation into the incident. The statement read, “The Military Police informs that it was immediately ordered to open an administrative procedure to investigate the facts with due rigor. The Military Police of Goiás reaffirms its commitment to complying with the law, and reiterates that it does not condone any misconduct practiced by its members.”