Gabriel Jesus has apologised for his shocking red card in Brazil's Copa America quarter final win over Chile.
In a tight game between two of the tournament's better teams, Brazil had just gone ahead through Lucas Paqueta shortly after half time.
However, the mood of the game changed two minutes later, when Jesus chased a high ball over his head near the halfway line, running around ten metres to challenge Chile's Eugenio Mena.
Mena comfortably got to the ball first, heading it to a teammate, but Jesus was in full-flow and caught the defender with a reckless flying high boot to the face.
A red card was immediately brandished, forcing a distraught Jesus to leave the pitch. Replays showed Jesus only had eyes for the ball, but with his boot at head height and studs up, the referee was left with no choice.
Brazil, who started Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson over Alisson of Liverpool, held on for a 1-0 win to book their place in the semi-finals, where they face Peru.
After the game, Jesus took to social media to apologise for his challenge and to Mena personally.
“Unfortunately I made a mistake in which the team could have suffered, but this group once again showed strength,” Jesus said.
“I apologise to my teammates and I will always continue to try to learn from my mistakes. I'm relieved to hear that Mena is fine and we've already talked about it.
"Again, this group is gigantic! We go to the semi!”
On Instagram, Jesus added a picture of him walking off with the message: "Nothing lasts forever, neither pains nor joys. Everything in life is learning. Everything in life surpasses itself."
