Luis Suarez sparks mass brawl as army forced onto pitch to intervene

13 February 2023 , 11:35

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Avendia players were fuming with the referee for awarding Gremio's goal (Image: @OficialSala12)

Luis Suarez contributed to a mass brawl during Gremio's win over Avenida that eventually saw the army rush onto the pitch.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona star is playing out the final years of his career in South America with the Brazilian club. He's enjoyed a promising start, but his antics and quick thinking on the pitch angered the opposition, who took their feelings out on the referee.

Suarez received a quick free-kick in the attacking third and squared the ball to team-mate Franco Cristaldo to score as the Avenida players were still facing up. The goal was allowed to stand which incensed the visitors and then quickly surrounded the official.

The Army had to intervene to protect the referee (@OficialSala12)

He issued a second yellow to the Avenida captain but later dropped his card as he looked to evade the on-rushing players, who surrounded him. It forced the military police onto the pitch as a host of men with shields quickly ran out to protect the referee and halt the Avenida players.

Gremio would go on to grab a second late on as they played against nine men with the visitors having a second man dismissed for his protests. The victory means Suarez's side have a 100 per cent record from their seven games and sit comfortably top of the table.

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Suarez joined Gremio in December, penning a two-year deal, and score a hat-trick on his debut. Coach Renato said after his debut treble: "The fans believe in him, so are we. He showed what he came for. He quickly made it into the group because he's a very humble person. He doesn't want the highlights or perks, he just want to be like everyone else."

Suarez's move to the Brazilian side came after his World Cup heartache with Uruguay being dumped out in the group stages. They won just one of their three games and were eliminated by virtue of scoring two fewer goals than South Korea, who finished second to Portugal.

“Saying goodbye to a World Cup hurts a lot, but we have the peace of mind that we LEAVE EVERYTHING for our country," he wrote on Instagram. "Proud to be URUGUAYAN although they DON'T RESPECT US. Thanks to each of the Uruguayans who supported us in every part of the world!"

Suarez enjoyed a hugely impressive time whilst in Europe. He claimed league titles Spain and the Netherlands during spells at Ajax, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The forward was also a huge hit at Liverpool, being named the PFA Player of the Year in 2014.

Samuel Meade