Hours after members of organized fans of Sport and Santa Cruz played, on Saturday (1), violent clashes on the streets of Recife, the directions of the two Pernambuco teams sent messages of repudiation and expressed their commitment to act for the promotion of peace in football.
“It is unacceptable that football, a sport that should unite and promote peace, be used as a pretext for criminal actions. We expect an energetic and immediate attitude of the authorities to blame the culprits, regardless of the fans to which they belong. Recife’s Sport Club reaffirms its commitment to peace, safety and mutual respect between the fans. Finally, we reiterate that we follow the competent authorities to assist both in the search and accountability of the individuals involved in this Saturday’s episodes, as well as to build an effective safety plan to end this wound that plagues football not only Pernambuco, but also, ”said Sport’s management in a note sent to Brazil agency.
In a press conference after the 1-0 win at his team at Arruda Stadium, Santa Cruz President Bruno Rodrigues also defended the implementation of hardest measures to combat violence in football. “The fact is that this is a much larger issue than it happened today. And it is a question that has been happening in the daily life of Pernambuco football. It is unfortunate. Santa Cruz does not corroborate this kind of attitude. Let’s get together this week, because Santa Cruz will fight this kind of attitude. For example, we will put in the next events the issue of facial recognition. ”
Widespread
After clashes between members of organized fans of Santa Cruz and Sport, 12 people were taken to the Restoration Hospital in Recife. According to the health unit, nine victims of physical aggression have already been released after care and three are hospitalized.
The widespread fights took place before the classic between Santa Cruz and Sport, by the Pernambuco Championship, which was maintained despite the confusion. Several videos published on social networks show scenes of extreme violence.
In a statement, the Pernambuco Secretariat of Social Defense reported that 14 people are detained. Before the game, about 650 were taken to the Shock Police Battalion (BPCHOQUE) and passed the magazine, being accompanied to the place of the match.
