Scolari involved in angry exchange with fans
Reuters - Monday 19 September 2011, 06:51
RIO DE JANEIRO - Palmeiras coach
Luiz Felipe Scolari was involved in an angry exchange with
supporters after his nine-man team held Avai to a 1-1 draw in
the Brazilian championship.
The former Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea coach made an
insulting gesture and argued with the supporters who jeered the
players and threw coins as they entered the tunnel following the
game.
'Big Phil' then insinuated the supporters had been working
with people inside the club to unseat him.
"The protest was ridiculous," he said. "Go and find out who
let them into the training ground last week, who they were
talking to and want they wanted. All this is well-orchestrated."
Avai took an early lead with a deflected shot by Batista and
it got worse for Palmeiras when Rivaldo Barbosa was sent off for
a second bookable offence in the 23rd minute.
Chico equalised before half-time but Palmeiras, who dropped
to eighth in the table, were reduced to nine players early in
the second half when Gerley was given a straight red card.
Shortly afterwards, Avai substitute Rafael Coelho was
dismissed after only four minutes on the pitch.
Corinthians were knocked off the top, dropping to third,
when they lost 3-1 to 10-man Santos, despite taking an early
lead through former Portugal striker Liedson.
Henrique, later sent off, equalised before half-time and
Borges, the championship's top scorer, gave Santos the lead with
his 17th goal of the competition nine minutes into the second
half.
Alan Kardec added a third late in the game for the South
American champions.
Vasco da Gama's 4-0 win over Gremio took them top with 45
points from 24 games and Sao Paulo, one point behind, beat Ceara
by the same score. Corinthians have 43 points.