Brazilian football has been hit by another tragedy after a supporter was burned to death following a brutal attack by a rival fan group on Sunday, reports said.
The incident occurred as Cruzerio supporters were heading home from their league match against Athletico Paranaense in Curitiba in the early hours.
According to Dutch outlet ADVERTISEMENTOn their return journey, the Cruzeiro ultras – known as Mafia Azul – were ambushed by rival fans, believed to be Palmeiras supporters group Mancha Verde.
The rival group threw fireworks at the bus causing it to catch fire and also used homemade bombs and nails thrown into the road to ensure the tires would burst.
Distressing videos that appeared on X showed the perspective of the ambushers, who filmed as they approached the injured Cruzeiro fans on the floor.
Brazilian football has been hit by another tragedy after a supporter was burned to death following a brutal attack by a rival fan group
After their clash against Athletico Paranaense, Cruzeiro fans were ambushed by rival fans, believed to be Palmeiras supporters group Mancha Verde.
Local reports claim that one man was burned alive and several other supporters were injured after being hit on the head with iron bars.
According to Federal Highway Police, the clash between fans occurred around 5:20 am.
The incident comes amid a history of violence between the two fan groups, having previously clashed in September 2022.
A fight between Cruzeiro’s Mafia Azul and Palmeiras’ Mancha Alviverde ended with four people being shot and ten others injured.
At the time, a video of a Palmeiras fan being attacked was posted online. The attackers were heard saying: “Mancha has lost, don’t hit us anymore, don’t hit us anymore.”
Reports also claim that the Sao Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office will follow the civil police investigation to identify the Palmeiras fans.
Brazilian football has a history of violence, with a number of horrific incidents involving club ultras in recent years.
In 2023, Fluminense ultras clashed with police in Rio de Janeiro ahead of their Libertadores clash with Boca Juniors.
Videos have emerged of the incident, which took place in streets close to the stadium, and appeared to show police shooting at Fluminense ultrasounds.
The clash required police to wear full riot gear as they were attacked by the ultras who were not seen in the footage.
The incident comes amid a history of violence between the two fan groups
Fluminense ultras clashed with police in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the Libertadores final last year
Police then formed two lines as they returned fire, while other Fluminense fans ran back to safety and covered their noses.
Meanwhile, Brazilian police arrested three people in 2019 after homemade bombs were detonated at Mineirao Stadium after Cruzeiro was relegated.
Police added that 13 people were taken to local hospitals for injuries inside and outside the stadium after Cruzeiro lost 2-0 to Palmeiras.
The match was ended early after the first homemade bomb exploded in the stands.