Hulk: Brazilian star to face 12-match ban after kicking opponent in nuts

Renowned Brazilian footballer Hulk could be set to face a 12-match ban for ‘physical violence’ after kicking an opponent in the nuts.

The former Porto and Zenit star rose to fame thanks to his enormous bodybuilder physique that just looked out of the ordinary on a footballer.

Add to that his nickname ‘Hulk’ and an insanely overpowered FIFA 13 Ultimate Team card – and viola! You have yourself a global phenomenon from nowhere.

For years FIFA lovers dreamed of Hulk making his way to the English Premier League, but a move never seemed to materialise – although, he did reportedly come very close to joining Tottenham in 2020 before Visa issues scuppered the deal.

Instead, Hulk made his way from the footballing no man’s land that is China to Atletico Mineiro in Brazil. He then teamed up with Diego Costa to fire the club to their first Brazilian title in five decades, scoring 19 goals on the way and being crowned the league’s top goalscorer.

Life seems to be pretty sweet for Hulk.

Which makes what he did just over a month ago in a match between Atletico Mineiro and Coritiba even weirder…

Hulk was a challenging a Coritiba player for the ball when he semingly lashed out in anger.

Seeing his opponent was off balance, Hulk took his opportunity and swung his right leg up driving it into the poor guy’s private area.

Seriously?! The Coritiba players were incensed and a mass brawl broke out on the pitch between both sets of players.

However, incredibly, the referee decided just to caution Hulk for the incident rather than deem it serious foul play.

The game ended 2-2 between the sides; however, that wasn’t to be the end of the saga.

Brazil international Hulk kicked a Coritiba player in the nuts and only got a yellow