Adriano’s career is careening out of control. His latest dive (a residual characteristic picked up Italy) occurred this weekend when he decided to take matters into his own hands and head-butt a defender after he was taken down. Instead of waiting for the referee to make a call, Adriano stood quickly and proceeded to lunge his giant noggin’ at defender Domingo of Santos. Now, Adriano is facing a possible three match ban or an 18-month ban. Way to get the career back on track.

Next Monday a decision will be taken on what his sanction will be, but the incident seems to have been blown out of proportion in the country, sparking suggestions that an example could be made out of him in order to curb violence in football.

“I don’t know what the referee saw. The Santos player put his hands in my face and I asked him for what reason he was doing so,” he shrugged.

However, Adriano’s coach, Muric Ramalho, was less understanding as he slammed the player for this expulsion.

“Adriano made a mistake - he cannot do such things,” he boomed.

The incident doesn’t seem like it should merit even the faintest idea of an 18-month ban, but Adriano is definitely not using his head in the more constructive manner. Peep the video and tell us what you think.

Adriano in trouble, risks lengthy ban [Goal]
Video [YouTube, via Goal]