When 15 Seconds Isn't Quite Fast Enough [UPDATE]

In advance of Cruzeiro’s mid-week return match against Argentine side Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores final, the Brazilians sent out a team of reserves for its Campeonato match against Atletico Mineiro.

Apparently, striker Ze Carlos didn’t even want to spend his afternoon playing in a potential beat down as he managed to get himself sent off after just 15 seconds.

The real crime? Ze Carlos even apologized, to no avail.

"I slipped, went to control the ball, turned and my arm hit Renan in the face. I even said sorry but I ended up being sent off. It was not on purpose."

Really, what’s the point if you’re not going to intentionally try to get run so early? Ze Carlos’ efforts didn’t even earn him soccer’s fastest red card. It’s not even close really.

Just last December David Pratt of Chippenham Town (in England’s Southern Premier League) got a straight red for a reckless tackle just three seconds into a match. Before that, the fastest sending off was generally accepted to be 10 seconds. That distinction was held for the better part of two decades by Giuseppe Lorenzo of Bologna.

Cruzeiro lost the match 3-0. Not that they care much. Again they sent out a side full of reserves anyway, resting first team players in advance of their Wednesday return match against Estudiantes.

With the win Atletico took over first in the Campeonato.

Now with video! (well, as long as it stays up)