Gabriel Jesus given quick red card after brutal kick to the face (Video)
Gabriel Jesus #GabrielJesus
Gabriel Jesus received a red card during Brazil’s Copa America match against Chile after kicking an opponent in the face with a flying challenge.
The Copa America game between Brazil and Chile just produced the easiest red card decision you may ever see.
Gabriel Jesus of Brazil flew in with a karate kick to the face of Chilean left back Eugenio Mena early in the second half.
Needless to say, the referee didn’t have to think twice about flashing the red card for that offense.
Fortunately, Mena was not seriously injured by the kick. He was lucky to escape major damage. That kind of high challenge is outlawed for good reason.
The foul and red card came just two minutes after Lucas Paqueta broke the deadlock in the 46th minute. The forward came n for Roberto Firmino just after halftime and immediately made an impact.
Despite playing most of the second half with a man down, Brazil was able to hang on to their 1-0 advantage. The victory advanced them to the semifinals of Copa America where they’ll face Peru. That game will take place on Monday evening.
The other two semifinalists have yet to be determined. Uruguay and Colombia will resolve one spot on Saturday, while Argentina and Ecuador will battle for the other. The final will be played next week.
Jesus has made four appearances in Copa America for Brazil this year with one assist and no goals.
The forward has been part of Brazil’s national team squad since 2016 and has scored 18 goals in 46 caps. On the club side, he has played for Manchester City in the Premier League since 2017. He has 50 goals for the Citizens in that span.