Credit: Twitter
Pepe, the veteran Porto defender, has once again made headlines for the wrong reasons, as the former Real Madrid star was sent off in the dying minutes of the Portuguese Super Cup final against Benfica on Wednesday after he kneed David Jurasek in the backside. To add insult to injury, he then provocatively lifted his Porto shirt in front of the jubilant Benfica fans, who had just witnessed their team win 2-0.
The incident happened in the 90th minute of the match, when Porto were trailing by two goals and had no hope of a comeback. Pepe was chasing Jurasek near the touchline, but the Benfica midfielder shielded the ball well and let it roll out for a throw-in. Pepe, frustrated by his team's performance and Jurasek's resistance, decided to vent his anger by striking him with his knee which led the referee to show him a straight red card.
Pepe, however, did not seem to regret his actions, as instead of walking off quietly, he defiantly held up his Porto shirt with his left hand and waved it in front of the Benfica supporters, who were celebrating their Super Cup title. Pepe's gesture was met with boos and jeers from the crowd as he walked out to the Porto bench.
Watch the video here:
Pepe is no stranger to controversy and disciplinary issues, as he has been shown a straight red eight times in his club career, and has been involved in several incidents of aggression and unsportsmanlike conduct. He has been accused of stamping, headbutting, punching, elbowing, and spitting at his opponents, as well as feigning injuries and diving. The Portuguese has also been criticized for his verbal abuse and taunting of rival players and fans.
Pepe's red card against Benfica was considered a futile attempt to salvage some pride from a humiliating defeat. He failed to impress anyone with his gesture and only succeeded in making himself look more foolish and immature.
