The match between the teams of the Mexican League and the Olympic players of Cruziero became a witness to a historic moment after just three seconds into the match when forward Rafael Silva was sent off the field for a violent tackle. After three seconds following the first whistle, Silva, in a fit of rage, tackled the supremely skilled player. The reaction was instantaneous, and the referee, without hesitation, showed the forward a straight red card. This episode became one of the fastest send-offs in the history of football.
"I felt a lot of pressure and stress, but that does not justify my actions. I want to apologize before the football club, my teammates and, of course, before the supremely skilled player for my rude behavior," commented Rafael Silva on the incident.
