Barcelona defender Daniel Alves has spoken out against the violence that took place in the stands as Atlético Paranaense faced Vasco da Gama on Sunday.
Fans from both sides were seen fighting with each other, forcing the game to be halted.
A helicopter had to land on the pitch to airlift one person to hospital, while the police intervened in a bid to stop the altercations.
Images of awful violence have been beamed around the world and add further weight to concerns surrounding safety at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Alves insists, however, that the vandals are not representative of Brazilian football and hopes serious action will be taken.
“Football is a game to be enjoyed, for joy, for happiness, for the pride of being for this or that team, he said, as reported by 101 Great Goals. “For how long are we going to let these vandals take the shine from football?
For how long are the people in charge going to allow that, instead of a great game, a great play, all of this is overshadowed by violence and vandals?
Look after those who love the game and please, ban these vandals.
…We’re going to show the world the most beautiful and joyful World Cup its ever seen.
WE’RE MORE THAN THE VANDALS. THEY DON’T REPRESENT US.”
