A Brazilian defender was suspended for 12 games and fined $5,700 for sexist comments directed at a female referee following a Sao Paulo state league match. The court ruling, announced this week, bars Marques from all competitions organized by the Sao Paulo state soccer federation but allows him to play in national-level events like the Brazilian league.

The incident occurred after Red Bull Bragantino lost 2-1 to Sao Paulo in a Feb. 21 state tournament quarterfinal, with Marques criticizing referee Daiane Muniz’s officiating in a post-game interview. He later apologized publicly, acknowledging his remarks were inappropriate and thanking Muniz for her professionalism.