Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus is suspended and out of the Copa America final because of a red card he received during his team’s 1-0 quarterfinal win over Chile.
South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL said in a statement on Tuesday that it had suspended Jesus for two matches. In Brazil’s 1-0 semifinal victory against Peru on Monday, the striker didn’t play and was replaced by winger Everton.
Jesus was sent off shortly before the second half of Brazil’s victory against Chile after he hit Eugenio Mena with a flying kick. The Brazilian said it was an accident and apologized.
Jesus, 24, was shown a red card near the 48 minutes mark, just two minutes after Lucas Paqueta gave the Selecao the lead against Chile.
Paqueta also turned out to be the match-winner against Peru, where Everton took Jesus’s place.
CONMEBOL has also fined Jesus $5,000. According to reports, Brazil cannot appeal the decision.
The Copa America final will be played on Saturday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Defending champion Brazil will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina who beat Colombia on penalties, as goalkeeper Emi Martinez made three saves in the penalty shootout.
Gabriel Jesus is the only player who has received a red card twice under coach Tite.
