Brazilian footballer charged with attempted murder after kicking referee

TV footage showed Ribeiro kicking out at the referee on the floor

A Brazilian footballer has been charged with attempted murder after kicking a referee in the head during a lower league match.

The match against Guarani was suspended in the second half and Crivellaro was taken to hospital.

The referee was later released from hospital while Ribeiro has been sacked.

The club said the incident, which happened in the year of their 113th anniversary, was "one of the worst in its history" and that they are evaluating what further action to take.

Sport Club Sao Paulo are based in the city of Rio Grande, 200 miles south of the state capital Porto Alegre, and play in the second division of the Rio Grande do Sol state championship.

Guarani won the restarted match 1-0 a day later, the state football federation said.

• 'Why do people have to do that?!': Ricky Gervais reveals all of his everyday frustrations
• The Sports Desk: Is it time for football to phase out heading?