During halftime of the intense last-16 group match between Brazil and Chile, a scuffle broke out between the national team players of both countries. Reports later on revealed that the altercation involved Chilean striker Mauricio Pinilla and Brazil's press chief Rodrigo Paiva.
FIFA has since launched an investigation in the matter and has since issued a red card against Paiva for his conduct. FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer confirmed earlier on Monday that due to the punishment, Pavia will not be able to take any part in the host country's quarterfinals game against Colombia on Friday.
Pinilla seemed to be seeing red regarding the one-match ban issued by FIFA on Paiva. On his Twitter account, Pinilla ranted out how Paiva only received such a measly punishment considering that the press chief supposedly punched him. The Cagliari Calcio player also saw disparity of FIFA's punishment on Paiva to the severe suspension received by embattled Liverpool player Luis Suarez for biting his Italian opponent.
He wrote, "One match for Rodrigo Paiva? You should be ashamed for that delinquent dressed in a suit."
Another tweet read, "Suarez for a bite risks his career...A press chief gets one game for a punch in the face? FIFA??"
Pinilla added, "I demand that FIFA hand Rodrigo Paiva an exemplary punishment equal to that of my colleague Suarez...!!! This is even more serious! They have the images."
Paiva has since released a statement regarding the FIFA penalty, which was published on the Brazilian Football Confederatin (CBF) website. The statement read, "I respect, as I always have, decisions taken by FIFA. The case is being investigated by FIFA's disciplinary committee, and they already have proof of reprehensible conduct by the Chilean delegation that will show the truth of what happened."
The Indian Express pointed out that Pinilla's plea might be answered, as Paiva could face additional sanctions courtesy of FIFA's disciplinary committee.
