Former Qarabağ striker Juninho has found himself at the center of controversy in Mexican football after his actions sparked a mass confrontation during a Liga MX match.
As reported by İdman.Biz, the Brazilian forward's current club, Pumas, suffered a 2-0 away defeat against Santos Laguna in a match overshadowed by a heated altercation involving players and coaching staff from both teams.
The incident occurred as Juninho was being substituted towards the end of the match. While leaving the pitch, the striker made a provocative gesture towards the home supporters, using his fingers to indicate a 4-0 scoreline – a reference to Pumas' previous victory over Santos Laguna.
The gesture angered members of the Santos Laguna bench, leading initially to a verbal exchange before the situation escalated into pushing and a physical confrontation.
During the incident, Pumas fitness coach Rodrigo Barrios was shown a red card after throwing a water bottle towards the opposition's bench.
Pumas had already been reduced to ten men earlier in the match following the dismissal of defender Nathan Silva.
Santos Laguna capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring both goals from the penalty spot to secure their sixth consecutive victory.
Juninho is well known to Azerbaijani football fans, having represented Qarabağ between 2023 and 2025.
In January 2025, the Brazilian striker left the Aghdam-based club to join Flamengo in a transfer worth €5 million.
During his time with Flamengo, he won the Brazilian championship and the Copa Libertadores in 2025.
At the beginning of 2026, Juninho moved to Mexican club Pumas for a reported fee of €5 million.
