Pro soccer player tries to bean hovering drone, gets a yellow card

Most people are aware that shooting guns at unwanted drones flying overhead can result in criminal charges, but who knew trying to take one out with a soccer ball was a yellow card offense? Brazilian pro player Marcal does – now – and will be sitting out his Botafogo club’s next match for his attempt.

The futebol adaptation of baseball’s infamous “bean-ball” occurred in the second half of Botafogo’s 1-0 win over Brazilian Serie A rival, Goias. During a break in play while a downed teammate received treatment from trainers near the penalty area, Marcal grabbed a soccer ball, positioned himself beneath the drone hovering overhead, and hurled it surprisingly high in an effort to bring the craft down. 

Subsequent video footage indicates Marcal’s attempt failed, with images showing what looks to be a smaller model DJI drone still fixed in the sky above the soccer pitch, its green positioning lights tranquilly blinking.

Though the pilot…