Hulk domestic ban hits World Cup hopes

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LISBON, Feb 19, 2010 (AFP) - Porto forward Hulk's chances of making Brazil's World Cup squad took a sizeable blow on Friday when Portuguese Liga officials handed him a four-month domestic ban for violent conduct.

The 23-year-old received the punishment for his role in a post-match brawl with match stewards in the players' tunnel following Porto's 1-0 defeat to title rivals Benfica last December.

Romanian defender Christian Sapunaru, now on loan at Romanian side Rapid Bucharest, was also involved in the scuffle and was handed a six-month ban from all Portuguese domestic competitions.

Porto suspended both players immediately after the incident and the two-month bans they have already completed will count towards the domestic suspensions handed down on Friday.

It means Hulk could be back in action within two months, while the domestic nature of the ban means he will still be available for selection for the duration of Porto's Champions League campaign.

Porto beat Arsenal 2-1 in the home leg of their Champions League round of 32 tie on Wednesday and are currently ninth points behind league leaders Benfica in third place in the Portuguese championship.

Hulk, who joined Porto from Japanese outfit Tokyo Verdy in 2008, made his Brazil debut in a 1-0 friendly victory against England in November last year.