Botafogo defender Alexander Barboza had a front tooth knocked out in a heated post-match brawl following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Flamengo in the Carioca Championship at the Maracanã on Wednesday.
The altercation began when Bruno Henrique and Barboza clashed, leading to the Argentine shoving the Flamengo winger to the ground, sparking a mass melee.
As the situation escalated, Flamengo defender Cleiton blindsided Barboza with a punch, leaving him bleeding and missing a tooth.
Barboza, named South America’s best defender last season, received a straight red card, while Cleiton, Bruno Henrique, and Gerson were also sent off. The scuffle continued into the tunnel, forcing Rio’s military police to intervene.
The match itself was tense, with Botafogo players frustrated by a controversial decision when referee Bruno Correia only booked Nicolas de la Cruz for an elbow on Matheus Martins despite calls for a red.
Leo Ortiz’s second-half header secured Flamengo’s win, moving them to top spot on 17 points, while Botafogo remain sixth on 12 points ahead of their Recopa Sudamericana clash against Racing Club next week.
