A Brazilian footballer experienced a horrifying moment during a match when he plummeted down an uncovered tunnel while celebrating a goal, only for the goal to be subsequently disallowed. The incident occurred on Saturday during a match between Coritiba and Chapecoense in Brazil's top flight.
Coritiba defender Jacy, 29, thought he had scored to give his team a 2-0 lead in the first half. He celebrated by jumping over the advertising hoardings, unaware that a tunnel leading to the dressing rooms had been left open.
Jacy fell directly into the tunnel, prompting a horrified security guard to rush down the stairs to assist him. His anxious teammates were seen peering over the hoardings to check on his condition. Jacy emerged from the fall seemingly unharmed and received treatment from Coritiba's medical staff.
Adding to his disappointment, the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Although Jacy was able to continue playing briefly, he was substituted two minutes into the second half as he continued to feel the effects of the fall.
This was not the first time a player has fallen down a tunnel at the Couto Pereira stadium. In 2014, Coritiba striker Joel experienced a similar incident while celebrating a goal against Sao Paulo. The same security guard who assisted Joel was also present to help Jacy.
Coritiba ultimately won the match 2-1 against Chapecoense. However, the game was also marked by a more serious incident, as Chapecoense midfielder Max Alves was taken to intensive care after colliding with a teammate. Alves underwent surgery and was diagnosed with multiple rib fractures.