Brazilian coach punches referee

A Brazilian football coach pushed a player from the opposing team and then punched the referee on the chin on the day his team were relegated. Television pictures showed Comercial coach Pedro Santilli losing his temper during Sunday’s game against Catanduvense in the second division of the Paulista (Sao Paulo state) championship.

Santilli, assistant Brazil coach for a brief period in 2000-01, went on to the field to pick up a spare ball and as he walked backed to the touchline he barged into a Catanduvense player who collapsed to the ground. He then went over to speak to the referee and suddenly lashed out, landing a right-fisted punch on the official’s chin. Santilli was sent off while his team lost 1-0 and were relegated to the third division.