A lower league Brazilian football match was cut short after riot police used pepper spray because a player refused to leave the pitch.

Genus defender Robson was shown a red card after a tackle in the second-half. They were losing to Moto Clube 3-0.

Riot police entered the field after the referee was confronted by Genus players who were then subjected to a pepper spray attack.

After the incident, the Genus coach and seven players resigned accusing the referee of racism.

Rondonia state officals said they were investigating the case to evaluate whether police or the referee overreacted.

The match was suspended in the 64th minute and is set to be replayed.