Video: Football referee pulls out handgun during match

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Soccer is taken very seriously in Brazil. Players, coaches and even referees have been murdered by fans and opponents for their actions on the pitch.

One referee recently decided to protect himself during a match, but probably escalated the situation too quickly.

Gabriel Muta was working an amateur game between Brumadinho and Amantes da Bola when things got hostile following a red card. Muta was reportedly punched and kicked by a player from Amantes da Bola, which prompted Muta to pull out a firearm.

According to The Guardian, Muta is a police officer by day, which explains why he has a handgun. According to the report, an inquiry into the situation has begun, although a representative from the referee's association believes Muta felt threatened and was acting out of self defense.

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