In a surprising turn of events during Brazil’s Copa Paulista, Sao Jose forward Micael received a straight red card before the match even began. The unusual incident happened when Micael was seen urinating beside his team’s substitutes’ bench shortly before their game against Sao Caetano.
Referee Gustavo Holanda Souza noticed the player relieving himself near the technical area and promptly showed him the red card. The Sao Jose team was visibly shocked, surrounding the referee to protest his decision, but Souza stood firm, sending Micael off before any play had started.
In his match report, the referee clearly stated the reason for the dismissal: Micael had left the field to urinate next to his team’s bench.
Although Micael’s early exit could have put Sao Jose at a disadvantage, it actually worked out well for them. Since the incident occurred before kick-off, the team could substitute him without having to play a man down. Tche Tche came in for Micael and quickly made an impact by scoring the first goal, helping Sao Jose secure a 2-1 victory.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, leading Sao Jose to issue a lighthearted apology. They acknowledged the referee’s decision was justified and emphasized the importance of maintaining proper conduct. “We apologize for what happened. This is not acceptable. A stadium is a public place, not a urinal. Onward!” the club posted.
While the bizarre red card entertained many online, it also served as a reminder of the expected behavior from players. Instances of players receiving red cards before kick-off are incredibly rare in professional football, making Micael’s dismissal a noteworthy event. Despite the pre-match chaos, Sao Jose managed to earn all three points, ensuring the incident would be talked about for days to come.
