Gabriel Jesus meltdown: Brazil striker attacks VAR monitor after Copa America final red card

He had earlier scored as Brazil ran out 3-1 winners against Peru. See the incident blow-by-blow in the slideshow below

Chilean referee Roberto Tobar shows the red card to Brazil's Gabriel Jesus after a second yellow. AFP

Gabriel Jesus makes his way off the pitch and kicks a water bottle. Reuters

Jesus continues to show his anger as he heads towards the dugout. Getty Images

He then lines up a punch aimed at the bench. AFP

Jesus's fist connects with the bench. AP Photo

His next target is the VAR stand. AP Photo

He shoves it over before it is caught by an official. Getty Images

Jesus heads down the tunnel where he was then seen sobbing. Reuters

Brazil beat Peru and Jesus was back on the pitch to collect his medal. Getty Images

He cheered up as he posed with his mother Vera Lúcia Diniz de Jesus. Getty Images

Cup finals - especially the Copa America - are emotional occasions. Just ask Brazil's Gabriel Jesus.

The striker's evening in the final against Peru at the Maracana started well, as he put his side 2-1 up just before half-time.

Then it went sharply downhill.

Jesus was sent off in the 70th minute for a second yellow card and the red mist well and truly descended.

His initial look of pain and disbelief gave way to rage as he made his way off the pitch.

The Manchester City player kicked out at a water bottle, sending a spray of liquid through the air.

Next up on his hitlist was the bench which he lined up, and landed a right-handed punch.

He wasn't finished there.

Between him and the entry to the tunnel was the VAR monitor which is housed in a booth. This received a two-handed shove and was fortunately caught by an official before it completely toppled over and hit the ground.

Jesus made his way into the tunnel where TV cameras showed him shouting, gesturing and sobbing.

Who says it's just a game?

Brazil ran out 3-1 winners, with the other goals scored by Everton and Richarlison. Paolo Guerrero netted for Peru.

Twenty-two year-old Jesus was back smiling on the pitch after the final whistle as he joined his teammates and mother in celebrating their country's ninth Copa America title.

He told reporters he was remorseful for his actions: "I want to apologise. I could have avoided it and I also need to grow up a lot," he said.