Six hospitalised in Brazil football violence

Rio de Janeiro June 19 (IANS) Six persons were taken to hospital after a brawl erupted between rival football fans before the start of the Brazilian Serie A match between Coritiba and Corinthians in the southern city of Curitiba.

At least one of the fans Jonathan Jose Gomes da Silva 29 was in a serious condition at the Trabalhador hospital according to police spokesman Clovis Galvao reports Xinhua news agency.

The violence delayed the start of Sunday s match after Corinthians players initially refused to leave their dressing room over safety fears.

Unfortunately violence and cowardice have again become the major themes of a Sunday matchday Corinthians said on their official Twitter account.

Coritba also condemned the actions of fans. Off the pitch it has been a very sad day for all lovers of football the club said in a statement. We hope that those responsible will be punished.

The match at Couto Pereira Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw.

--IANS
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