Brazilian footballer `karate kicks` referee

Sao Paulo: A Brazilian footballer has been sacked by his club and faces assault charges after attacking a referee with a "karate kick" to the chest during a weekend match.

Independente defender Johnny dos Santos was immediately arrested by police after the incident that took place during his team`s 0-1 loss to Marilia in the third division of Sao Paulo`s state-league, reports Xinhua Tuesday. "He is aware of the seriousness of what he did and he is sorry," Independente football manager Marcos Bruno was quoted saying by O`Globo. "He told me that he is seriously considering quitting football. He is very depressed." In a police statement filed after the match, referee Mauricio Antonio Fioretti said he had suffered lacerations and bruising to his right shoulder. According to Brazil`s new Sports Justice code, the maximum penalty for an act of on-field aggression is a 24-match ban. IANS