Police dog bites player during match in Brazil

SAO PAULO – A first-division match in southern Brazil was delayed for a few minutes after a police dog bit a player on the back of the leg.

Television cameras showed the dog, a German Shepherd reportedly called Nitro, biting Caxias striker Vanderlei as he and several other teammates complained with the officiating crew near the sidelines.

The dog was on a leash but the policeman called in to try to help the referees got too close and the dog attacked, catching the player’s left leg and part of his shorts.

The Globoesporte.com website said Vanderlei had to be treated and the match in the Rio Grande do Sul state championship was stopped for nearly 10 minutes, but Vanderlei eventually was able to return.