Brazil’s press officer has left reporters in shock after picking up a cat and throwing it on the floor during a press conference.
The official was sat alongside Vinicius Jr at the time of the incident, The Sun reported.
Vinicius was answering questions to the press when a cat jumped up onto the table.
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The Brazil star laughed as the curious feline chilled out during the press conference.
But the press officer decided to pick up the kitty by the fur on its back before dropping it over the front of the desk.
The reporters present could be heard gasping in shock but the Brazilian looked puzzled as he shrugged his shoulders.
He quickly asked for the next question as Vinicius burst out laughing.
The 22-year-old appeared to ask the press officer why he decided to get rid of the cat and seemed to laugh out of shock.
Fans on social media were also shocked by the press officer’s actions, with one writing: “Why did he throw it???”
Another added: “He didn’t have to throw it like that.”
And a third said: “Why did he pick the cat up like that …. I hope Brazil don’t win the world Cup now.”
Vinicius was speaking ahead of Brazil’s quarter-final clash with Croatia on Friday.
The Real Madrid winger scored in the previous round against South Korea, which Brazil won 4-1.
This story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.