SAO PAULO — In an unexpected turn of events during a top division match in Brazil on Saturday, a striker was dismissed just three seconds into the game for elbowing an opponent.

Rafa Silva of Cruzeiro left his team at a disadvantage, ultimately contributing to a 3-0 loss against Athletico Paranaense.

The incident occurred as Silva collided with Athletico player Kaique Rocha while both were vying for possession of the ball right after the kickoff.

Referee Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima made the decision to issue a red card to the 32-year-old striker, marking one of the swiftest dismissals recorded in soccer history.

Athletico Paranaense is currently struggling to avoid relegation in the Brazilian league, while Cruzeiro is in pursuit of a top spot to secure a direct place in the next Copa Libertadores tournament.

For their match in Curitiba, the Belo Horizonte-based team opted to rest several key players to ensure they are at full strength for the upcoming second leg of the Copa Sudamericana against Lanus in Argentina, where they had previously played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.