Palmeiras fan killed as rival gangs clash
Reuters - Monday 26 March 2012, 15:56
A Palmeiras supporter
died on Sunday after being shot in the head by a Corinthians fan
during a battle between rival hooligan gangs before their Sao
Paulo derby.
Violence in big cities, including football hooliganism, is one
of the big problems Brazil faces two years before staging the
World Cup finals.
Police reported that about 500 Palmeiras fans were being
escorted to the municipal Pacaembu stadium where Corinthians
play when some home supporters confronted them with firearms,
iron bars and home-made grenades.
Five people were hurt including the 21-year-old fan, who was
shot and died later in hospital.
Film footage by amateur witnesses broadcast on television
showed scenes of a street battle and a fan lying on the ground
bleeding and waiting for assistance, which he was given by
police after the fighting before being taken to hospital.
Media reports said no one was arrested.
"The military police were caught between the two gangs but
for an hour people's lives were in danger," police corporal
Adriano Lopomo told TV reporters.
"The military police had no way out unless it was to retreat
and practically help the conflict."
The scene of the battle is an area where there are often
confrontations between rival fans of the big Sao Paulo clubs.
Since police have managed to all but end the violence within
the stadiums, fighting has moved into the surrounding areas.
Last year, a Corinthians supporter was killed by Palmeiras
hooligans.
On Sunday, there were also scuffles between Corinthians fans
and police at the stadium's main entrance minutes before
kick-off.
TV footage showed people who were still outside when the
game was about to start trying to force their way in. Mounted
police used tear gas to push the crowd back.
Corinthians won the match 2-1, ending Palmeiras' 21-match
unbeaten run.