Owl murderer gets two-game suspension, $560 fine

[Hillbilly Jim]

Luis Moreno, the Colombian soccer player and owl murderer whom all of South America is talking about, received a two-game suspension from Colombian soccer officials on Thursday; believed to be the first sanctions against a pro soccer player for assaulting a bird. Moreno also received a $560 fine (6,728 pesos, if that makes you feel better). In making their ruling, soccer officials said Moreno’s actions could have incited a violent response from home fans.
Moreno, a defender for Deportivo Pereira, kicked an injured owl that had fallen onto the field during a game against Atletico Junior last week. The owl, which lived in the roof of the stadium and was Atletico’s mascot, later died of stress relating to its injury.

“This animal was a symbol for the fans from Barranquilla,” Colombian officials said in a statement. “Given that the aggressive act took place in their home stadium and in the clear view of all the fans, this act can be legitimately interpreted as provocative.”
Moreno, who lives in the Colombian city of Pereira, has been the target of insults and newspaper editorials condemning his behavior.
“I have received threats,” he said Wednesday without offering details.

Moreno, who had to leave the field under security detail to avoid enraged fans, has apologized for his actions. He still faces possible discipline in Colombia’s court system, which could include jail time. If convicted, Moreno would be confined in Bogota Prison’s notorious Raptor Wing.
It’ll be interesting to see the reaction when Moreno returns to action. And when (if) he ever returns to Atletico Junior’s home field? Let’s just say that ESPN would be wise to broadcast that one live.
My advice to Atletico is for their next mascot to be this.