South American football has long been known for its unpredictable and often astonishing moments, and recent events suggest this won't be changing any time soon.
On July 11, the Copa America was thrown into chaos when the semifinal between Uruguay and Colombia saw La Celeste players fighting with fans in the stands after the final whistle.
Uruguay and Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was among those involved in the aftermath of the game in Charlotte. It's since been revealed that concern for the safety of their families was at the root of tempers boiling over from Uruguay's players — although CONMEBOL still took a very dim view of the incident, and could reportedly still hand out a long ban to those involved.
Then on Saturday, in a Brazilian domestic Copa do Brasil match, things took an even stranger turn.
Brazilian player sent off for confronting a fan attacking his own striker
For the second time in a week players and supporters were left scuffling, as wild scenes in a game between Juventude and Internacional saw Juventude's Alan Ruschel sent off for confronting a pitch invader, who seemed intent on attacking one of his own players.
After Inter's Ecuador international striker Enner Valencia — only just back from leading his country at the Copa America — missed a second-half penalty, a supporter ran onto the pitch.
The fan, wearing an Internacional jacket, rushed from behind the goal and charged towards Valencia. Before reaching him, he was confronted by Ruschel, who stepped in.
Order was restored after the invader had eventually been restrained, but the referee then decided to send left-back Ruschel off after viewing footage of the defender striking the invading fan via VAR.
The penalty was subsequently retaken, due to encroachment, and Valencia successfully converted at the second attempt to level the match at 1-1.
O lance que o cara invade o campo para agredir alguém ali e o Alan Ruschel é expulso. pic.twitter.com/qTRAk5Zzsf
— ⚽ (@DoentesPFutebol) July 13, 2024
Ruschel was understandably confused, reportedly telling local journalists post-match: "The guy invades the pitch, assaults me, and I get sent off?"
Juventude fans responded by chanting "Shame, Shame, Shame."
Despite the disruption, Juventude managed to hold onto their aggregate lead from the first leg of the Round of 16 tie, and advanced to the next round.
For Valencia, meanwhile, it was a second dramatic penalty incident in a few days after he missed from the spot for his country in their Copa America quarterfinal defeat against Argentina.
