Overview
- A ball kicked by São José defender Tiago Pedra struck a press photographer in the face during the Gama vs São José Série D playoff return leg and she lost consciousness before receiving immediate care on the pitch.
- Players and medical staff from both teams attended the photographer, teammates used shirts to fan her, and she regained consciousness within seconds while on-site medics reported no immediate complications.
- Tiago Pedra apologized at the scene and video of the kick circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism over the force of the shot despite the ball having left the field.
- Gama went on to win the match 4-0 and clinch promotion to Série C with a 5-1 aggregate, a result that framed the incident in the context of a decisive playoff game.
- Journalists and outlets note that photographers often stand close to the goal line in lower-division matches, and the case could prompt scrutiny of press positioning and safety protocols once the official medical report is released.