Brazilian football fan shot dead and eight injured as Rio derby between Flamengo and Botafogo allowed to go ahead despite strikes decreasing police presence by 75 per cent
Diego Silva dos Santos, 28, was pronounced dead after being shot in chest and two more supporters in intensive care
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A TRAGIC shooting incident has rocked Brazilian football.
Diego Silva dos Santos, 28, was gunned down and another seven injured during the Rio de Janeiro derby between Flamengo and Botafogo.
Prior to the encounter, there were major security concerns amid a strike from some sections of the city’s police force.
A spokesperson for Rio’s Salgado Filho hospital said: “Eight people were brought in with injuries from gunshot and knife wounds.
“One died after being shot in the chest, three are in intensive care and the other four were released late at night."
The police strike had put the game in jeopardy, but it went ahead nonetheless — and the more violent incidents took place before kick-off.
It was estimated that only around 50 officers were present, rather than the usual 200 expected for a match of this nature.
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The local police have been on strike for around a month following a stand-off with Rio authorities over pay and safety.
And it was reported there were “more ambulances than police” present at Rio’s Olympic Stadium.
Videos uploaded show fans engaging in violent incidents outside the stadium, with little police in sight.
Three arrests have subsequently been made — and they include fans from both clubs.
Flamengo — nicknamed Mengao (which means Big Mengo) — won the Classico2-1, but were accused posting insensitive messages on social media.
They tweeted: “Don’t try to run away, you can only be a Menago from birth: 2-1”, as they celebrated their victory.
But a furious Botafogo hit back, by replying: “It is serious that you are ignoring the violence on a day of confusion and death?
“For us, this is not football. Let’s start with peace insides the stadia.”