The soccer player who kicked an owl to death
A mascot bird interrupts a match in Colombia, and Panama's Luís Moreno reacts by kicking it in the face. Days later, the owl dies
The video: During a Colombian championship soccer match last weekend, Panamanian player Luís Moreno outraged fans and players alike when he brutally kicked the opposing team's mascot, an owl, that had mistakenly flown onto the field. (See video below.) Players immediately confronted Moreno, and fans soon began chanting "murderer!" The owl was taken to a veterinary clinic, and on Tuesday morning, it was reported to have died of a respiratory arrest. Colombian authorities were already planning to press charges against Moreno; according to a local radio station, he could face jail time.
The reaction: "I apologize to the fans, it wasn't my intention," said Moreno after the game, as quoted by Colombia Reports. "I did it to see if the owl could fly." That explanation might just be the "the worst apology" imaginable, says Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid. Indeed, Moreno "should be severely punished for this painful, horrible act of intolerance," said Ramon Jesurum, president of the league, as quoted by Yahoo! Watch the regrettable kick:
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Major League Baseball is facing an epidemic of pitcher's injuries
Under the Radar Many insiders are blaming the pitch clock for the rise in injuries — but the league is not so sure
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
8 movie musicals that prove the screen can share the stage
The Week Recommends The singing and dancing, bigger than life itself
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
2024 Mother's Day Gift Guide
The Week Recommends A present for every mom
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published