Corinthians and Santos supporters clash near Vila Belmiro after 2-1 Bahia defeat | OneFootball

A skirmish between Corinthians and Santos supporters broke out near Vila Belmiro on Wednesday night after Corinthians lost 2-1 to Bahia in the opening round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

According to Meu Timao, Military Police moved in to disperse the groups, using stun grenades, pepper spray and tear gas. Some supporters felt unwell, and there were no injuries recorded.

The Torcida Jovem headquarters sits about 100 metres from the stadium. Despite metal barriers around the site, rival supporters gathered in the area, which preceded the disturbance.

The statue of Zito, a Santos idol, was also cordoned off outside the ground at gate six, on the corner of Princesa Isabel and Antônio Malheiro, to deter vandalism.

Corinthians were due to start at Neo Química Arena on 29 January, but the opener was rescheduled to Vila Belmiro after an agreement between Santos, the FPF and the CBF.

The switch aimed to give the team an extra day of rest before the Supercopa do Brasil against Flamengo on one February at 16:00. They could not play in the capital on 28 January, as São Paulo faced Flamengo that day. Police generally do not authorise two big clubs on the same date, and CBF rules bar hosting outside a team’s state.

As part of a reciprocal arrangement, Santos hosted Red Bull Bragantino in a 0-0 Paulista match at Neo Química Arena on Sunday. There were no reports of serious vandalism in or around the stadium.

Source: Meu Timao