Pepe accused of ‘hiding bullet’ before mass brawl and could face two-year ban

Pepe was sent off during Porto's heated clash against rivals Sporting Lisbon

Porto defender Pepe could face a ban of up to two years for his involvement in the mass brawl that took place last week against rivals, Sporting Lisbon. Tensions boiled over at the end of the game after Porto had came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with their Portuguese rivals, with up to 40 people involved in the exchange - including players, staff, stewards and ballboys. Referee Joao Pinheiro was given no option but to send multiple people off to try and diffuse the situation as Pepe and Agustin Marchesin were sent off for Porto, whilst Bruno Tabata and Joao Palhinha were shown red for Sporting. Pepe of course was the most recognisable figure to be sent off, given his previous history with being dismissed, earning his 13th red card of his career. https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1492267272722919425 According to A Bola, the 39-year-old could be facing a ban of up to two years for his involvement in the brawl after he was alleged to have kicked one of the directors from Sporting, which is classed as a ‘very serious disciplinary offence.’ The former Real Madrid's ban could range from two months to two years, as per the Disciplinary Regulation of the League of Clubs, with any real lengthy ban likely to spell the end of his playing career. Further reports from Portugal also highlighted another incident in which there are claims that Pepe hid a bullet earlier in the game after one was thrown from the stands onto the pitch. The outlet claims that the defender tried to hide the bullet from the authorities, but the Sporting players realised and demanded Pepe show the referee. A Bola also stated that the league delegate's report mentions that Pepe had caught a bullet and that the official had kept the item after being alerted to it by the players, however no video evidence has yet to prove if the item was a bullet. Related links:

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