Brazilian Player Falls Into Stadium Tunnel While Celebrating Goal

During the Brazilian league match between Coritiba and Chapecoense at Couto Pereira stadium, Coritiba player Jacy vanished into an open stadium tunnel while celebrating a goal, according to reports from ANSA and local media. The incident occurred as the home side held a lead, prompting the player to grab the ball, tuck it under his shirt, and rush toward supporters behind the goal before tumbling past the advertising boards.

The Incident at Couto Pereira Stadium

Jacy jumped over the pitchside barriers to approach the fans, failing to notice the entryway to the visiting team’s dressing room tunnel left open, as reported by ANSA. The player disappeared instantly from broadcast cameras as he fell into the void, triggering immediate concern from teammates and stadium security staff who rushed to his aid.

According to outlet GE and Lance! reporting cited by ANSA, the player received medical treatment for a lower back problem following the fall. Despite appearing visibly in pain, Jacy managed to stand up, limped back onto the pitch, and finished the remainder of the first half before returning after the intermission.

VAR Intervention and Second-Half Injury

While the player received on-field attention, the semi-automated offside detection system flagged an irregularity in the build-up play, leading the VAR to disallow the goal, as detailed in source accounts. The celebration ultimately yielded no change to the match scoreboard.

The physical impact of the fall caught up with Jacy shortly into the second half. After playing through the initial pain, the player signaled to the bench and requested a substitution due to persistent discomfort in his right ankle, bringing an early end to his appearance.

Historical Precedents at Coritiba

The bizarre stadium hazard at Couto Pereira previously caught another player off guard. In 2014, during a fixture between Coritiba and São Paulo, Cameroonian forward Joel scored and ran behind the goal to celebrate, clearing the advertising boards and tumbling directly into the exact same guest tunnel, generating worldwide attention.

While Joel’s 2014 incident resulted in a valid goal that stood on the match record, Jacy’s recent repetition of the mishap featured a vastly different outcome. Between the overturned VAR decision, the medical attention for lower back and ankle pain, and the disallowed strike, the sequence left the Coritiba player with zero goals to show for his efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused Jacy to fall during the match?

According to ANSA, Jacy attempted to jump over the pitchside advertising boards to celebrate a goal with supporters but did not see the open visitors’ tunnel entrance behind the barriers.

Did the goal count after the celebration?

No. The semi-automated offside system and VAR review caught an infraction in the build-up, resulting in the referee disallowing the goal.

Was the player injured from the fall?

Yes. Source reporting indicates he received treatment for lower back pain and ultimately asked to be substituted early in the second half due to ankle pain.