Brazil press officer suspended for punching Pinilla

Reporter

Jul 01, 2014 01:19 am

This World Cup has had everything - goals, controversy, Arjen Robben dives and, of course, Luis Suarez treating someone else like his personal chew toy.

Now, one of Brazil's press officials has been handed a one-match suspension for allegedly throwing a punch at a Chile player.

Fifa has confirmed that the punishment has been meted out to Brazil spokesman Rodrigo Paiva, who has been accused of punching La Roja striker Mauricio Pinilla in the tunnel after their Round of 16 match on Sunday morning (Singapore time).

Further investigations are being conducted and could result in a longer ban for Paiva, who claimed he was acting out of self-defence during the scuffle after Chile were eliminated by the hosts on penalties.

That hasn't placated Pinilla, who called for an even harsher punishment for Paiva than the four months and nine international match ban received by Luis Suarez for biting Giorgio Chiellini.

Pinilla tweeted: "I demand that FIFA give Rodrigo Paiva an exemplary punishment just like the one imposed on my colleague (Uruguay striker) Suarez!!! This is even more serious.! There are images."