AP

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil's sports tribunal has suspended Corinthians midfielder Petros for six months for shoving a referee from behind in a Brazilian league match.

The player ran toward referee Raphael Claus and shoved him in the back with his left arm in the team's 1-0 win over Santos on Aug. 10.

Petros apparently was upset that Claus got in the way of one of his teammates just seconds earlier.

The referee nearly fell after being bumped, but at the time didn't think he was hit on purpose.

Petros said the move was not intentional.

Corinthians lawyers are expected to appeal Monday's decision.

The popular club is third in the Brazilian league, five points behind leader Cruzeiro. Its next match is Thursday against Goias at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo.