SAO PAULO - Soccer authorities the world over routinely hand out suspensions and fines to players who are sent off but Brazilian players are also getting the chance to perform community service instead of kicking their heels on the sidelines.

The latest victim - or beneficiary - to be given this unusual punishment is Corinthians striker Emerson.

He was punished with a six-match ban last month for insulting the referee in a first division game against Atletico.

The ban was reduced to five matches, provided he spend a morning visiting sick children at a Sao Paulo hospice.

The Superior Court of Sports Justice, the legal body that oversees Brazilian football, also ordered him to pay a 10000 real (R42650) fine to the institution.

The controversial striker turned up two hours late to meet the children but left declaring the idea a success to reporters.

"You can't call this a punishment, it's more like a life lesson for us all," Emerson said.