The stunning moment a Brazilian TV presenter and mayoral candidate smashes a political rival over the head with an iron chair during a heated electoral debate was caught on camera.

Pablo Marcal was hospitalised with suspected fractured ribs and breathing difficulties after the brutal attack on live TV on Sunday, September 15.

Footage showed Jose Luiz Datena walking up to his victim and launching the heavy stool from close range at Marcal’s head, although he managed to raise an arm at the last minute and deflect the blow slightly. Both men are bidding to become mayor of Sao Paulo.

Digital influencer and life coach Marcal had upset Datena by mentioning sexual harassment allegations made against the TV host, which were dismissed by prosecutors.

It led to an exchange of insults which ended with the physical assault after Marcal accused his political rival, who like him has never held a political office, of wanting to attack him during a previous TV debate but desisting because he was “not man enough”.

Last night’s debate, organised by specialist TV channel TV Cultura, was briefly suspended following the attack.

It was restarted with the remaining candidates after Marcal was taken to hospital and Datena, the host of police and crime programme Brasil Urgente, was expelled.

The aggressor has been reported to police by a lawyer acting for his assault victim although there were no immediate reports an arrest had taken place.

Datena admitted “losing it” in comments made as he left the TV studio and linked his reaction to stress caused by the death of his mother-in-law from a stroke after the sexual harassment allegations made against him.

He said: “I don’t choose moments of emotion. I’m a real man.”

Claiming he was sure his relative’s death was caused by the sex crime allegations, he added: “I felt it all coming back to me and I really couldn't help myself. Am I wrong? Yes. But what can I do?”

TV Cultura said in a statement: “TV Cultura regrets the episode that took place during the debate with candidates for Sa Paulo City Hall on Sunday involving candidates Jose Luiz Datena and Pablo Marcal.

“The broadcaster reiterates that, following the aggression, all measures were taken in accordance with the rules previously established in writing between TC Cultura and the campaigns of all the candidates present, including the expulsion of candidate Jose Luiz Datena.

“The debate continued subject to the consultation and agreement of the other candidates.

“During the event all measures including those related to press coverage, were taken to ensure the safety of those present in line with the rules previously agreed.”

A statement released by Pablo Marcal’s advisors overnight said: “Pablo Marcal was cowardly attacked by Jose Luiz Datena, who hit him in the ribs with an iron chair.

“Unfortunately, Marcal had to leave the debate in an ambulance to receive emergency medical care.

“It's unfortunate that the debate continued without the presence of the candidate who was attacked.

"Pablo Marcal is injured, with suspected fractures to his chest and difficulty breathing.

“We hope that the appropriate legal measures will be taken and we count on peoples’ prayers.”

An earlier mayoral debate involving five participants had been described by one city newspaper covering it as "all bark and no bite."

The first round of voting will take place on October 6.