In a harrowing incident that has reignited the debate over animal cruelty in sports, a top Portuguese bullfighter was violently gored and trampled during a festival in Spain. Shocking video footage shows the moment Fernando Lopes, a celebrated figure in the bullfighting world, was caught by the bull's horns and thrown violently into the air.
The attack occurred at a festival in the town of Lora del Rio, near Seville. Lopes, who had dedicated the fight to his late father, was performing a manoeuvre when the bull, named 'Bienvenido', suddenly charged. The animal lifted the 37-year-old fighter with its horns before tossing him to the ground and trampling him repeatedly.
Graphic mobile phone footage from the event shows spectators screaming in horror as the bull continues its assault on the defenceless man. Fellow bullfighters, known as 'forcados', desperately rushed into the arena to distract the enraged animal and drag Lopes to safety.
Emergency services rushed the severely injured bullfighter to a hospital in Seville. Medical reports confirmed he sustained serious injuries, including deep gorings to his thigh and knee. He underwent immediate surgery and is currently in a stable condition, though the long-term impact on his career remains uncertain.
The incident has provoked a fierce response from animal welfare organisations. A spokesperson for ANIMAL, a Portuguese rights group, stated: "This is a tragic reminder of the inherent violence in this so-called 'culture'. While we wish Mr. Lopes a full recovery, we must not forget that the bull always suffers a guaranteed death in these spectacles."
This event is set to fuel the ongoing political debate in Portugal, where a bill to abolish bullfighting has been gaining momentum. Proponents argue it is a barbaric practice, while defenders claim it is a vital part of the nation's cultural heritage.
