Fabricio banished for one finger salute at fans

Brazilian footballer Fabricio was suspended by Internacional after spectacularly turning against supporters of the top-tier club while a league match was in progress - 'flipping the bird' as he was jeered and being sent-off as a consequence.

Fabricio's moment of madness is caught on camera (Youtube) Source: YouTube

The incident came in the Rio Grande do Sul state championship match against Ypiringa - in which ex-Manchester United midfielder Anderson also saw red along with opponent Otacilio Neto for an off-the-ball iclash - as Fabricio reacted to taunting from the crowd by flicking the middle finger of each hand repeatedly towards fans.

He had been in possession of the ball but gave it up and walked sullenly off the pitch before being shown a red card by referee Luis Teixeira.

Internacional fans at the match were seen to celebrate the sending-off, before Fabricio wrestled with team-mates, tore off his shirt, and marched bare-chested across the pitch to the players' tunnel, gesticulating to supporters as he went.

Video of the incident spread across the internet on Thursday, and Fabricio may have played his last match for Internacional.

Internacional president Vitorio Piffero said, according to newspaper Estadao: "It's an unfortunate attitude. Fabricio was hot-headed. We will not take action now, only after Easter. He is suspended until then."

The 28-year-old left-back joined Internacional in 2011, initially on loan from Portuguesa, and has made 183 appearances for the Brazilian side, which went to the top of the league table after holding on for a 1-0 win.