Owl murderer gets two-game suspension, $560 fine

[Hillbilly Jim]

http://nbcoutofbounds.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/morenoowl.jpg?w=320

Luis Moreno, the Colombian soccer player and owl murderer whom all of South America is talking about (http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/03/02/colombia-turns-on-owl-murdering-soccer-player-an-entire-country-is-against-me/), received a two-game suspension from Colombian soccer officials on Thursday; believed to be the first sanctions against a pro soccer player for assaulting a bird. Moreno also received a $560 fine (6,728 pesos, if that makes you feel better). In making their ruling, soccer officials said Moreno’s actions could have incited a violent response from home fans (http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6175303/player-kicked-owl-mascot-gets-two-game-ban-fine?campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines).
Moreno, a defender for Deportivo Pereira, kicked an injured owl that had fallen onto the field during a game against Atletico Junior last week. The owl, which lived in the roof of the stadium and was Atletico’s mascot, later died of stress relating to its injury.“This animal was a symbol for the fans from Barranquilla,” Colombian officials said in a statement. “Given that the aggressive act took place in their home stadium and in the clear view of all the fans, this act can be legitimately interpreted as provocative.”
Moreno, who lives in the Colombian city of Pereira, has been the target of insults and newspaper editorials condemning his behavior.
“I have received threats,” he said Wednesday without offering details.
Moreno, who had to leave the field under security detail to avoid enraged fans, has apologized for his actions. He still faces possible discipline in Colombia’s court system (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newsvideo/weirdnewsvideo/8356413/Footballer-apologises-for-owl-mascot-death.html), which could include jail time. If convicted, Moreno would be confined in Bogota Prison’s notorious Raptor Wing.
It’ll be interesting to see the reaction when Moreno returns to action. And when (if) he ever returns to Atletico Junior’s home field? Let’s just say that ESPN would be wise to broadcast that one live.
My advice to Atletico is for their next mascot to be this (http://cdn3.iofferphoto.com/img/item/389/641/16/1c44_1_sbl.JPG).

[Hillbilly Jim]

pzL_UdDUHow

the owl looks up at him like hey buddy you here to suck me off
then gets kicked off the pitch lolololollo
JBfJbvgNl3Y

[DRK Star]

http://i30.tinypic.com/2qlrfgx.gif

[SkyNigger]

is pretty tight story. i like how he's been trying to sell the story that he just meant to kick the thing to make it fly...i don't think anyone was buying it, last I heard...

Colombia turns on owl murdering soccer player: ‘An entire country is against me’
Rick Chandler Mar 2, 2011, 10:52 AM EST

Colombia is not amused with Luis Moreno, the Panamanian player who booted a mascot owl during a game last week, resulting in the animal’s death. Moreno says that he and his family have received threats of violence over the phone. Also, Moreno has been seen on local television being escorted to a zoo, where he was given a lecture on owls by local officials. Possible excerpt: “Funny thing about owls. Turns out they don’t care for being kicked in the face.’

Moreno also repeated his claim that he “never meant to hurt the animal.” Yes, he kicked it more than three yards … but it was a gentle kick, filled with love. From the London Daily Telegraph:

The Panamanian player has since become a hate figure in Colombia.

“There have been all kinds of things…… on the telephone, everything,” said Moreno about threats he had received. “It wasn’t my intention to hurt the animal.”

“My family is very worried about what happened, and even more because there is an entire country against me.

“I think that’s not fair. I believe what happened is regrettable and I apologise to the entire country. I believe it is time to let the issue go.

“I believe there is not much more to say.”

Oh, there will be more to say. Ramon Jesurum, president of Dimayor (the division of Colombian football in which Moreno plays), said on Monday that “the player should be severely punished for this painful, horrible act of intolerance.” The case will be heard before their disciplinary committee later this week. Moreno also could face a fine and/or jail time.

So, Colombia is pretty much in an uproar right now. But meanwhile, guess what activity there is chugging along unabated? Cockfighting. Yep. It’s kind of ironic that you can travel to downtown Bogota and attend a rally against Moreno, and in 10 minutes go to a bar and find a cockfight. But owls, you see, are fluffy and fond of soccer. Roosters are not.