Kung-fu keeper 'to be charged with attempted murder'
A Brazilian goalkeeper is to be prosecuted for attempted murder after a sickening attack during an U19 match.
Sport Recife goalkeeper Gustavo violently kung fu-kicked Vasco da Gama's Elivelton in the neck and was sacked by his club when footage of the incident emerged.
The referee immediately cancelled the match after the incident as Elivelton was rushed to hospital but remarkably he has escaped without serious injury.
Police have already talked to the victim plus five other players from Vasco, while they have made plans to interview the 18-year-old perpetrator and five of his now former team-mates.
However, the police officer in charge of the case has already confirmed his intention to charge Gustavo with attempted murder.
Elivelton underwent a number of tests in hospital after the attack but no permanent damage was found and he has already forgiven his attacker.
"I just hope he no longer has such an attitude on the field in the future, whatever team he is playing for," he said.
The offending goalkeeper has also apologised and said he wanted to do so in person.
"I'm sorry for what I did, I wanted to speak with him personally so I could apologise to him to try and calm him too," he said.
Gustavo could be banned from football for life for his action.