Brazil's press officer callously grabbed an innocent cat and threw it down during a World Cup news conference.
Selecao star Vinicius Junior was speaking to the media when a Qatari feline climbed onto the table topped with microphones and recording devices. As Real Madrid winger Vinicius was answering a question ahead of Brazil's quarter-final clash with Croatia, the cat was enjoying being stroked by the press officer, seemingly doing no harm.
But for some reason, he lost patience with the inquisitive animal. The press officer proceeded to pick the cat up by its back fur and cruelly dropped it down. A gasp from inside the shocked room could be heard, as Vinicius himself looked taken aback by his colleague's cold-hearted actions, which have garnered criticism on social media.
The press officer awkwardly locked back at the media and asked for the next question. Vinicius quickly turned to him and couldn't help but burst out laughing, as the press officer shrugged his shoulders and appeared to claim that it was the best way to continue the news conference as normal.
It's not the first time that a cat has gained notoriety during the World Cup, as the England camp have adopted one at their team hotel in Al Wakrah and named it 'Dave'. Ahead of facing France on Saturday, Three Lions defender Kyle Walker is hoping that he proves to be a lucky charm.
"Dave is fine," the Manchester City right-back said on Wednesday. "He had a little scrap with another cat the other night. I think they are fighting over territory and the food. But he's doing well. Hopefully, I can stick to my promise that he will come home with us if we were to win the World Cup. Dave's fine, thank you for asking."
Vinicius will be hoping that Brazil's cat proves to be a lucky charm for his country, who smashed South Korea 4-1 on Monday to book their ticket to the quarter-finals. During the clash with Croatia, the 22-year-old will come up against Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, who he had some kind words for during the eventful news conference.
"It's always very difficult to play against players with great qualities. Modric has always taught me a lot, he continues to teach me on a daily basis, he does everything to keep me evolving," Vinicius explained. "He is an example. A 37-year-old guy playing at his level is something rare.
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"Footballers like him, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Thiago Silva, who are of an age that is no longer normal to perform like this and who are making it normal again. We are happy for that, I am happy to play against him, and may the best man win.
"As a whole, Croatia has the basis of the last World Cup when they reached the final against France. We have to be prepared not just with Modric, but with the whole squad. They play for big clubs and will do their best to try to beat us."
