Friday’s clash between Coritiba and Athletico was pure chaos on the Couto Pereira pitch, but nothing set off the Matchday 27 Brasileirão derby like Coritiba striker Breno Lopes getting absolutely sent off right before halftime. This wasn’t just any red card, folks. This was the infamous “Vini Jr. Law” in full effect, leaving Coxa a man down and sparking instant drama.
The Vini Jr. Law Strikes Breno Lopes
The wild moment happened near the end of the first half with Coritiba lining up a free kick. That’s when Lopes went straight for center-back Arthur Dias, covering Dias’ mouth with his right hand during an intense confrontation. VAR official Rodrigo Nunes de Sá immediately flagged it, calling referee Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães to the monitor. Everyone watching knew what was coming next, and sure enough, the red card was flashed, gutting Coritiba’s chances by forcing them to play the rest of the match a man short. It was a shocking, physical display that just can’t happen.
The Rule That Changed Everything for Players
For those wondering about the “Vini Jr. Law,” it’s a FIFA rule brought in after Real Madrid’s Vini Jr. was targeted with insults by Benfica player Prestianni during a Champions League match. Prestianni infamously covered his mouth with his shirt to hurl insults, and FIFA put this rule into play at the World Cup to crack down on similar actions. This isn’t even the first time we’ve seen it in the Brasileirão, either; Botafogo’s Arthur Cabral got the boot earlier for an argument with Vitória coach Jair Ventura under the same rule. Players have to know by now, this stuff just isn’t tolerated anymore.
After Lopes’ sending-off, Josué stepped up to take the free kick, only to smash it onto the crossbar. But the drama wasn’t over. Tiago Cóser was Johnny-on-the-spot, pouncing on the rebound almost by surprise to pull one back for Coxa. What a crazy end to the half, proving that even a man down, Coritiba found a way to fight back. You gotta wonder how that red card will impact the rest of the game!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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