Even though the match between Palmeiras and Flamengo was one of the most anticipated clashes on Matchday 14 of the Brasileirao, the game was overshadowed by the sad passing of Gabriela Anelli. The 23-year-old woman died on Monday (10) after being hit by a glass bottle in her neck during a brawl between fans on Saturday.
Her family announced the devastating news on social media. “Thanks to everyone who prayed for my sister. But she left to join daddy in heaven. There are things happening that are beyond our understanding. I know how much you fought every second and you were always a warrior. Watch over us from heaven and protect our family,” wrote Gabriela’s brother Felipe Marchiano.
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What happened
The incident happened close to Allianz Parque, when the barrier separating home and away supporters was opened to allow a Metropolitan Civil Guard vehicle to pass. Gabriela was hit in her neck by a glass bottle, which is why she was immediately taken to hospital. Unfortunately, she passed away two days later after suffering two cardiac arrests. Leonardo Felipe Xavier Santiago, a 26-year-old Flamengo supporter, is in custody for allegedly throwing the bottle that caused the tragedy.
A torcedora Gabriela Anelli, de 23 anos, morreu após ser atingida por estilhaços de vidro no pescoço, nas imediações do Allianz Parque, antes do jogo entre Palmeiras e Flamengo, no sábado. A TNT Sports se solidariza com os familiares e amigos por esta perda irreparável. pic.twitter.com/Jzj8PGGBTn
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) July 10, 2023
Both Palmeiras and Flamengo reacted to the sad news on social media.
“We deeply regret the death of fan Gabriela Anelli, who was hit by a bottle near Allianz Parque, before the game against Flamengo, on Saturday. We cannot accept that a 23-year-old young woman is a victim of barbarism in an environment that should be entertainment. We express our solidarity with the Palmeirense family and demand speed in the investigation of this crime, which hurts our reason for existing and compromises the image of Brazilian football,” the Verdao statement read.
“Clube de Regatas do Flamengo deeply regrets the death of fan Gabriela Anelli. On an occasion that should have been purely sporting, a young woman lost her life in a barbaric way, which is unjustifiable and deserves to be severely punished. It is very important that everything is duly clarified and that those actually responsible for the crime are held accountable. The CRF expresses solidarity with the family,” the Mengao said in a club statement.
