Gabriel Jesus Banned From International Football

There is a cliche about South American football players being somewhat hot headed and young Manchester City player Gabriel Jesus has seemingly lived up to that expectation.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JULY 07: Referee Roberto Tobar shows a red card to Gabriel Jesus of Brazil during the Copa America Brazil 2019 Final match between Brazil and Peru at Maracana Stadium on July 07, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images) /

In many ways this is a pivotal season for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus. He comes into the season in a good run of form, and importantly, is both injury free and free from worry about injury. That worry has on occasion played heavy in his heart and limited some of his performances.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JULY 07: Gabriel Jesus of Brazil reacts after receiving a a red card during the Copa America Brazil 2019 Final match between Brazil and Peru at Maracana Stadium on July 07, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images) /

In the Copa America finals in Brazil during the Summer, Jesus was leading the line for his national team on home soil. The performances in the World Cup the year before were forgotten and this time he was determined to live up to expectations.

This all came crushing down around him during the final against Peru. Jesus had an authoritative game – making the first goal and scoring the second, but he was singled out for a range of rough treatment and afforded little protection from a referee intent on being at the centre of any unfolding drama.

More from Man City Editorials

Jesus picked up a second yellow card and there was a blur of fury on the pitch. Believing the tournament to be fixed in an echo of similar thoughts espoused by Lionel Messi, Jesus suggested the referee was being bribed.

Jesus angrily left the pitch, kicking over water bottles and pushing the VAR monitor. He then burst into tears fearing his dismissal had cost his side victory. This was not the case as Brazil ran out 3:1 winners and a jubilant Jesus joined in the celebrations at the final whistle.

Despite some apologetic statements from Jesus following the medal ceremony, the CONMEBOL football authority have now dished out punishment. Jesus has been banned from playing for his country for 2 months and fined £25,000.

The ban means he will miss International fixtures in September and October 2019. However, this could yet be a bonus for Manchester City.

dark. Next. Manchester City 2019/20 Season Predictions

Jesus will not travel to South America for these games, hopefully staying fit and focussed back in Manchester for the travails of the season to come. It seems every cloud may well have a silver – or at least a blue – lining.

Home/Man City News