A Brazilian footballer has been charged with attempted murder after kicking a referee in the head during a second division game, knocking him unconscious, authorities said.
William Ribeiro kicked referee Rodrigo Crivellaro twice during Monday’s match between Sao Paulo de Rio Grande and hosts Guarani de Venancio Aires, the second time when the official lay on the ground.
The incident happened after Crivellaro did not give Ribeiro’s Sao Paulo team a free-kick.
The match was suspended and Crivellaro was taken to a local hospital after being knocked unconscious. Ribeiro was arrested at the stadium and charged with attempted murder.
Crivellaro was released from the hospital Tuesday morning. The referee told journalists he is yet to see footage of the incident.

He should be banned for life