Flamengo thank Minas Gerais Military Police after pre-match clashes at the Mineirão | OneFootball

Flamengo thanked the Minas Gerais Military Police in an official note after pre-match clashes outside the Mineirão before the Libertadores tie against Cruzeiro on Wednesday.

The club said in a statement that stadium safety is a shared responsibility for clubs, authorities, organisers and supporters. It cited late arrivals close to kick-off, attempts to use gates different from those on tickets and people without tickets trying to enter, which prompted a police response.

Flamengo stressed its appreciation for fans home and away and urged travelling supporters to arrive early, follow access guidance and use only designated sectors. It praised the work of the police and other public bodies and said it would keep talking to authorities to improve matchday organisation.

Video from the scene showed officers using pepper spray to disperse a crowd at one entrance, and at least one Flamengo fan being struck with a baton. Visiting supporters later reported on social media that access was difficult and said matches in Belo Horizonte often bring disorder.

Attention now turns to the Brasileirão, with Flamengo away to Mirassol on Sunday 16 at 18:30 Brasília time at the Maião in São Paulo. Record will broadcast free to air, with Premiere on pay-per-view and CazéTV on YouTube also showing the game.

The Libertadores last-16 tie is level at 1-1 on aggregate, with the second leg at the Maracanã on Wednesday 19 at 21:30 Brasília time, live on Rede Globo.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”