Suspension rules Gabriel Jesus out of Copa final

Share this with Email Share this with Facebook Share this with Twitter Share this with Whatsapp

Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus is out of the Copa America final against Argentina because of a red card he received during his team's 1-0 quarterfinal win over Chile.

Advertisement

South American soccer body CONMEBOL said in a statement on Tuesday it suspended Jesus for two matches. The striker didn't play on Monday in Brazil's 1-0 semifinal victory against Peru, being replaced by winger Everton.

Jesus was sent off shortly before the second half of Brazil's victory against Chile after he hit Eugenio Mena with a flying kick. The Brazilian said it was an accident and apologized.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Vickery: Vanquished Peru may have exposed Brazil's weakness

CONMEBOL also fined Jesus $5,000. Brazil cannot appeal the decision.

Jesus said on Instagram he did not agree with the decision.

"Two-match ban and no appeal? Congratulations CONMEBOL. I think you didn't see what happened right," he wrote.

Advertisement

Neymar also posted on Instagram to support his teammate.

Gabriel Jesus, left, has been suspended for two games for this challenge on Chile's Eugenio Mena. MB Media/Getty Images

"It is very sad to be on the hands of people who make this kind of decisions," Neymar said.

The Copa America final will be played on Saturday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Two years ago Jesus scored a goal and had an assist in Brazil's 3-1 win in the Copa America final against Peru, but he was also sent off after a harsh tackle. He is the only player who has received a red card twice under coach Tite.

Source: espn.co.uk