Brazilian Corinthians midfielder Zakaria Labyad risks becoming the first footballer in history to face a sporting punishment for his behavior in a video game.
While recovering from an injury, the former Ajax player streamed live on a GTA RolePlay server. During the stream, he joined a virtual mass brawl between his club's fan groups (Gaviões da Fiel) and their principal rivals, Palmeiras (Mancha Verde). Controlling his character, Labyad beat opponents with a stick and hurled insults at the rival team.
The incident gained notoriety thanks to the Brazilian TV show Gazeta Esportiva. Outraged by the footballer's behavior, the program's representatives appealed to the Superior Court of Sports Justice, demanding the player be suspended for showing cruelty toward the rival club's fans.
The situation is complicated by the historical background: the São Paulo state derby between these teams is traditionally accompanied by real-life ultras enmity, which often leads to severe consequences. This is why the player's actions sparked such significant resonance.
According to the publication Soutimao, Labyad has not yet received any official notifications regarding a fine or suspension. Sports judges now face an unprecedented task—they must decide whether simulated violence in a fictional computer world qualifies as a violation of real disciplinary rules.
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