A heartbroken Gabriel Jesus took his anger out on the dugout and then the VAR monitor before being reduced to tears following his controversial red card in the Copa America Final.
It all appeared to be going smoothly for the talented Manchester City striker after he scored just before half-time to regain Brazil’s lead against Peru.
But the Brazilian superstar went from hero to zero after picking up a second yellow card 20 minutes from time for a needless late foul on Carlos Zambrano.
With his team holding a slender 2-1 lead, Jesus protested his innocence and was seemingly refusing to leave the pitch before belatedly making his way to the tunnel.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
But that wasn’t before he booted a water bottle in anger, making clear his frustration that the referee made the wrong decision.
He then punched the side of the dugout in anger and attempted to push the VAR monitor with both hands, with match officials forced to prevent it from falling to the floor.
And the drama continued as television replays showed the heartbroken striker reduced to tears as he sat on the stairs in the tunnel and continued to maintain his innocence.
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
Before Jesus’ meltdown, it was a cagey start to proceedings but Brazil found their rhythm in the 20th minute when Everton slotted home from six yards.
Despite some strong showing from the hosts, Peru fought their way back down the pitch and earned a penalty after Thiago Silva’s handball on 44th minute.
Captain Paolo Guerrero stepped up and slotted home from 12 yards to earn Peru a surprise equaliser against the favourites.
(Image: Getty Images)
But deep into added time in the first half and Jesus powered the ball home to send Brazil leading at half time.
Brazil continued to knock on the door for a third goal before Jesus’ sending off handed the momentum back to Peru.
But the Brazilians did indeed extend their lead late on after Everton was brought down in the box, and Richarlison, who ironically plays for Everton, duly stepped up to make sure off the win.
It was Brazil’s first major title since they won the Copa America in 2007 and the first for coach Tite, who took charge three years ago.
