Teenager loses sight in one eye after Maracanã rubber bullet, mother criticises police | OneFootball

Arthur Cortines Laxe, 18, has lost sight in his right eye after being struck by a rubber bullet outside the Maracanã following Flamengo v Vasco on Sunday. According to Globo.com, his family say he faces at least three surgeries, including reconstructive work and treatment for a broken nose.

His mother, Christiane Cortines, says a military police officer fired as he tried to leave amid clashes between rival groups. He is being treated at Casa de Saúde São José in Humaitá, in Rio’s South Zone.

Arthur says he was with friends and not involved, walking towards the Uerj metro when mounted officers moved in, then he was hit in the face. He says he begged riot police for help but was told to move on, and a passing taxi driver eventually took him to safety.

The family are seeking compensation and accountability. The Military Police say a man was injured by an elastomer round and received assistance, and that an internal procedure has been opened to establish what happened.

Police say around 800 officers were deployed for the game and 15 arrests were made. Disorder was concentrated after full time around the stadium, with reports of assaults and clashes, and residents reported fear.

Two other supporters were hurt in the area, one Flamengo fan and one Vasco fan, both beaten unconscious, and a watch was stolen. They were taken to Hospital Municipal Souza Aguiar and remain in stable condition, one has been named as Hiata André Barbosa.

Source: Globo.com