Brazilian footballer suffers fall during celebration, goal disallowed by VAR
A Brazilian footballer endured a frightening fall down an open stadium tunnel while celebrating a goal, only for the effort to later be disallowed by VAR, reports BritPanorama.
Coritiba defender Jacy was at the centre of the unusual incident during his team’s 2-1 victory over Chapecoense in Brazil’s top flight on Saturday. After believing he had doubled his side’s advantage in the first half, Jacy raced off to celebrate, only to face an unexpected hazard.
Unbeknownst to him, the entrance to the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms had been opened ahead of the half-time interval. Consequently, as he jumped over the advertising hoarding, he fell into the uncovered entrance, disappearing from view.
In alarming footage, a nearby security guard immediately rushed down the stairs to check on Jacy, while his concerned team-mates gathered around the tunnel’s opening to assess the situation. He eventually emerged and received medical attention from Coritiba’s team doctors.
Adding insult to injury, a VAR review later determined that Jacy’s initial celebration was in vain, as the goal was ruled out for offside. His painful fall had ultimately yielded no reward.
Despite the dramatic incident, Jacy initially continued to play and finished the first half. However, he was substituted just two minutes into the second half after experiencing lingering effects from his fall.
This incident was not unique; a similar occurrence took place in 2014 involving former Coritiba striker Joel, who also fell into the same tunnel while celebrating a goal. Remarkably, the same security guard who aided Jacy was present during Joel’s incident more than a decade ago.
Coritiba managed to secure the win, keeping their spirits up despite Jacy’s disallowed goal. However, the day was also marked by a serious injury to Chapecoense midfielder Max Alves, who required hospital treatment after colliding with a teammate and subsequently underwent surgery for multiple rib fractures.
In sport, the line between triumph and calamity often blurs; in this case, it highlighted how fleeting moments of joy can swiftly turn to peril, serving as a reminder of the unpredictability inherent in the beautiful game.
