A Brazilian goalkeeper convicted in the killing of a former girlfriend was ordered back to prison on Tuesday, the latest chapter of a seven-year saga that human rights groups say underscores violence toward women in Latin America’s largest nation.

Three out of four judges in a panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court denied an appeal to Boa Esporte goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes de Souza, who was released in February while appealing a 22-year sentence in the 2010 killing of Eliza Samudio.

At the time of the slaying, de Souza was a star of local giants Flamengo and seen as a potential future member of Brazil’s squad for the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

Souza’s brief return to football at a small club in March was marked by widespread criticism among fans and players, with Boa Esporte losing five sponsors after the announcement.

But others supported de Souza , chanting his name during training and games, and also taking pictures with him.

Culled from Mail Sport