Hulk facing 12-match ban for kicking opponent in the genitals

That must've hurt...

Brazilian footballer Hulk is reportedly facing a 12-match ban for 'physical violence' after kicking an opponent in the genitals last month. The 35-year-old - real name Givanildo Vieira de Sousa - committed the bizarre act in a Brazilian top-flight match in April. Hulk was challenging a Coritiba player for the ball, but was struggling to regain possession for his side. Just seconds later, the Atletico Mineiro man lashed out in anger as he swung his leg upwards to make contact with his opponent's genitals. https://twitter.com/samstreetwrites/status/1518678079228583937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1518678079228583937%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2F18535836%2Fhulk-kicks-opponent-nuts-brazil-video%2F Despite the action, and the mass brawl that is caused, Hulk only received a yellow card for the incident.

Hulk set for lengthy ban

However, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, the former Porto and Zenit forward is set to appear in front of the Superior Court of Sports Justice. The report claims that Hulk will be on 'trial' next week for 'physical violence.' The attacking star could also be handed a whopping ban ranging from four to 12 matches. Despite this, should Hulk receive a more lenient sentence, he could potentially be banned for three matches - the equivalent of receiving a straight red card.

Gabigol slams hulk

Following the incident, Gabriel Barbosa - who plays for rival side Flamengo - claimed that he would have received a "red card, 25 game suspension" for committing the same act, before adding that he would also have "been taken to a police station." Hulk fired back, saying: "It seems more than it really is." The Brazilian has scored 51 goals and registered 16 assists in 85 appearances for Atletico Mineiro. He has made 49 appearances for the national side, bagging 11 goals and grabbing seven assists. Related links:

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