Jack Kenmare
Brazilian authorities have confirmed that a Cruzeiro fan has died following a violent roadside ambush by rival supporters in Sao Paulo state on Sunday morning, which left at least 12 fans injured.
A group of Cruzeiro fans were traveling back to Belo Horizonte by bus after their team's 3-0 defeat at Athletico Paranaense when rival supporters ambushed them on the Fernao Dias highway, near Mairipora.
Sao Paulo's public security secretariat said the attack was carried out by ultra supporters of rival Palmeiras.
It is said dozens of people threw fireworks at the bus, while homemade bombs and nails were left on the road to ensure the tires would puncture, according to Dutch publication AD.
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Brazilian outlet Nexo Jornal claim one victim died after being burned to death inside the vehicle. Others suffered head trauma after being hit on the head with iron bars, as shown in graphic footage circulating on social media.
Brazilian TV showed several wounded Cruzeiro fans lying on the sidewalk as Palmeiras supporters hit them with sticks and other objects. According to the Federal Highway Police, the incident occurred at around 5:20am.
On Sunday afternoon, Cruzeiro released a statement regarding the incident on their social media channels.
"Cruzeiro deeply regrets yet another episode of violence between fans, this time during the early hours of the morning, on the Fernão Dias highway, which culminated in the death of a Cruzeiro fan and several others injured," they wrote.
"There is no longer any room for violence in football, a sport that unites passions and crowds. We need to put an end to these criminal acts."
Palmeiras have yet to comment publicly on the tragic incident.
Brazilian publication Itatiaia found that the ambush was a response to a confrontation that took place in September 2022, when several Palmeiras fans were injured.