Argentine soccer player arrested for trying to kick fan in the head

Passions often run high on the soccer field in South America—but Argentine forward Sebastian Pol might have taken things a little too far.

In the wake of Audax Italiano’s 4-1 defeat at Universidad Catolica in the Chilean Primera Division on Sunday, Pol appeared to enter into a verbal confrontation with a home fan. Things escalated when the 28-year-old climbed on a railing and aimed a kick at the supporter’s head.

Thanks to a strict law aimed at decreasing Chilean soccer violence, Pol may now be facing up to two years in prison. The Daily Mail reports:

Shortly after the hot-headed moment, the player was arrested in the locker room and taken to custody by police.

At the police station, Pol offered an apology to waiting reporters. “I didn’t mean to strike him, I just wanted to frighten him,” he said.

It should be noted that wanting to “frighten” a fan by trying to kick his head is not even permissible on Halloween weekend.

The incident is reminiscent of the notorious kung-fu antics of Eric Cantona. In January 1995, at the height of his powers, the Manchester United legend kicked a Crystal Palace fan, earning a £20,000 fine and an eight-month ban from the game:

The Guardian claim Pol has already been provisionally banned form attending any sporting events for 20 days, while he awaits further punishment from the Chilean league.

It is possible he receives a lengthy ban from the game—some of which may be served behind bars.