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OFF THE POST: Clubbing the Seal
September 19th, 2007 9:22PM
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TAGS:  brazil


[VIDEO] Kerlon, a 19-year-old Brazilian whose skills have been compared to Ronaldinho's, thrills fans with the "seal dribble," in which he moves past players while juggling the ball with his head. The move, however, often ends with the Cruzeiro midfielder being flattened by opponents, who claim it's the only way to stop him - and that the move is disrespectful.

Last Sunday, Kerlon bounced the ball on his head three times before Atletico Mineiro defender Coelho dropped him with an elbow-leading body block. VIDEO

A prolonged scuffle broke out and Coelho was ejected.

After his team's 4-3 win, Kerlon said, "We need to decide what we want in soccer," he said. "Is it the beautiful play or the violent play? Brazilian soccer has always been about skillful players, not violent players.

"I forgive [Coelho] for what he did to me. But I don't forgive him for what he did to soccer."

But Atletico Mineiro coach Emerson Leao, a former goalkeeper, took his own players' side: "It is a provocation. He may have to be sidelined for several years if he gets kicked in the face. I hope that never happens."

Kerlon says the move isn't intended to show disrespect to opponents and he'll never give up the seal dribble.

"They'll need to create a new law if they want me to stop," he says.

Click HERE for more Kerlon highlights.



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