Leandro Damiao could face six-match ban for pulling own shirt

Leandro Damiao

Brazilian forward Leandro Damiao could face upto a six-match ban for trying to win a penalty by pulling his own shirt. The 25-year-old has been charged with “unsportsmanlike behaviour” for an incident that occured last weekend during his team Santos’ 3-0 defeat at the hands of Criciúma when a corner kick was being taken. The officials missed the incident but a tribunal made the ruling after watching video evidence.

“Referees are heavily criticised for their supposed mistakes,” the superior court of sporting justice said. “However the athletes are the first ones not to help them, as in this case.”

Below is the video by Mail Sport showing the incident:

When asked about the incident, Damiao denied it. He said his jersey was stuck to his skin and he was trying to get it loose.

The Santos striker was the 2012 London Olympics top scorer and a top transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur. The former Internacional has won 18 caps for Brazil and scored thrice.