The Portuguese Football Federation has suspended the goalkeeper of rival Marinhas in the amateur league for a year for brutally assaulting an opposing player during a match between the two teams.
The Portuguese newspaper "ABOLA" reported that Francisco Lacao will serve a one-year suspension after the violent assault on Espinherense striker Gonzalo Martins, in the match held last month.
Francisco Lacão, guarda-redes, foi suspenso um ano após agredir violentamente um adversário ao pontapé.
O guardião anunciou o fim da carreira em março.
Marinhais foi castigado com uma derrota por 3-0, uma multa de 300 euros e um jogo à porta fechada.pic.twitter.com/liTYZTRPCW
— Cabine Desportiva (@CabineSport) April 27, 2023
Laau's career may have ended altogether because of the punishment, she said, noting that his assault on Martins sparked widespread outrage after he hit his rival and kicked him more than once.
In addition to suspending the attacking goalkeeper, the Portuguese federation decided to impose a fine on his club Marienhas of 300 euros, and considered him a 3-0 loser in that match, while denying him the presence of fans for several matches.
Reactions on social media were mixed, with some commentators arguing that he deserved the punishment after showing unacceptable brutality and without reasons to do so.
Others said the punishment was harsh, citing similar behaviour to other players who had not been subjected to the same punishment, as another Portuguese player, Pepe, did when he was defending Real Madrid's colours and violently assaulted a player in 2009.
Getafe's Pepe kicked Getafe's Francisco Casquero lying on the ground after a penalty was awarded against him, then slapped teammate Juan Albin in the face before being sent off by the referee, and days later the Spanish Football Federation suspended him for 10 matches.