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fan fire
Angry Vasco da Gama supporters storm training ground in protest at Copa Libertadores exit — and are ‘shot at’ by guards
One man, believed to be a club security guard, was seen brandishing a weapon — but no one was injured
A TRAINING session was brought to a dramatic halt in Brazil by angry fans who were allegedly shot at by security guards as they invaded the pitch in protest over their team’s poor performance.
More than 40 Vasco da Gama supporters confronted players at the Sao Januario stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Friday as the squad prepared for a match this weekend.
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One man, believed to be a club guard, was seen brandishing a weapon — but no one was injured.
Training was suspended for over an hour as fans demanded to speak to players and coaching staff about the 4-0 thrashing at home to Cruzeiro last Wednesday.
The defeat saw them eliminated at the Copa Libertadores group stage.
Shocking images show the moment the incensed mob stormed the pitch after smashing their way into the ground through the club shop.
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The rioters broke through the metal shutters of store’s security grill and shouted “Open up, open up” before bursting onto the pitch.
Some of the players had already taken refuge in the locker rooms but those who remained were told they needed to explain themselves.
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Security guards tried to disperse the protestors and multiple gunshots were heard.
This appeared to inflame supporters, who were seen surrounding and confronting a man carrying a revolver, as they claimed the club’s security was responsible for the gunfire.
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Some fans lifted their shirts to prove they were not carrying weapons, while others were heard shouting: “We just want to talk” and: “Record this so we can prove what’s happened.”
The incident is under investigation.
One of the main targets of the demonstration was the president of the club Alexandre Campello.
Elected at the end of January, he has received a lot of criticism after Vasco's poor campaign in the Libertadores.
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Prior to the pitch invasion, Vasco’s board said they had been notified of the threat and had stepped up security.
Police arrived at the stadium more than an hour after the protests had started.
Fans were eventually escorted out of the arena and three representatives were chosen to meet with the players and technical staff to discuss their grievances inside the grounds.
Campello criticised the protest in a statement which read: “We have a team that has been competitive and won a place in 2017 in the Libertadores.
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“The club was in the final of the Carioca Cup and in my view, only lost due to a refereeing decision.
“In the Libertadores, we went through the first two phases but did not do well in the group stage.
“I think this may be, yes, there is some reason for the fans' dissatisfaction, but I think this protest was uncalled for.”
On Saturday, Vasco relieved some of the pressure and restored a bit of faith by beating America-MG 4-1 in the 4th round of the Brasileirao championships.