Chaos Breaks Out At Soccer Game As Player Sucker Punches Opponent, Fans Call For A 'Lifetime Ban'

A scrap on the pitch took a nasty turn when a player swung at an opponent, clipping her on the jaw. Soccer fans argued that the Congolese player went too far and called for a "lifetime ban" on the player. DR Congo forward Ruth Kipoyi faces potential discipline after striking 24-year-old Spanish midfielder Yasmin Mrabet, who plays for team Morocco.

Kipoyi was contesting a foul called on her in the second half of the match shortly after halftime — as DR Congo faced a 2-1 deficit against Morocco — when players from the opposing team stepped in to bark back at Kipoyi. 

A small scuffle broke out and Mrabet stepped in to ease tensions among her Moroccan teammates. 

Already riled up, Ruth Kipoyi exploded at the sight of Mrabet as the Spaniard tried to ease tensions and swung a left hook at her opponent. Mrabet went crashing down and Kipoyi was removed from the match. Now the Congolese player faces criticism from fans of the sport, with some calling for a ‘lifetime ban’ on the player over the violent move. 

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"This should be a lifelong ban from football? How can this happen on a football pitch," one fan said, reacting to the video on social media.

No official discipline has been handed down to Kipoyi as of current reporting. 

Yasmin Mrabet posted an update on her social media, condemning the DR Congo player's actions, reminding the 26-year-old that certain lines shouldn't be crossed. 

Considering the modern discourse on athlete privilege, the scene also begs a question as to whether the outrage would've been stronger if the roles between the Spaniard and Congolese player were swapped.

Mrabet posted on her Instagram:

"This violent behavior should not be accepted. During the competition, disagreements can occur, and tensions are bound to build, but there are lines which must never be crossed…

"This incident should not overshadow the exponential growth of our football in the last couple of years. African teams are showing up on the world stage and for a reason.

"The appropriate procedures are underway to report the past events and from now on I’m only looking forward."

(Should a punch thrown during a sporting match result in a lifetime ban? Would the conversation be different if the players' races were swapped? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)

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Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick - living in Southern California.

All about Jeopardy, sports, Thai food, Jiu-Jitsu, faith. I've watched every movie, ever. (@alejandroaveela, via X)