DiscoverSporting WitnessThe photo which exposed a goalkeeper's fake injury
The photo which exposed a goalkeeper's fake injury

The photo which exposed a goalkeeper's fake injury

Update: 2025-08-30
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In 1989, Chile faced Brazil in a crucial World Cup qualifying match at the iconic Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

During the game, a flare was thrown onto the pitch, appearing to seriously injure Chile's goalkeeper Roberto Rojas.

Football photographer Ricardo Alfieri was watching with 129 other photographers.

He was the only one who captured the moment the flare landed - behind Rojas.

Days later it emerged the goalkeeper had hidden razor blades in his gloves.

Ricardo Alfieri speaks to Megan Jones about the photo and what happened next.

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(Photo: The flare photo. Credit: Ricardo Alfieri)

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The photo which exposed a goalkeeper's fake injury

The photo which exposed a goalkeeper's fake injury

BBC World Service