Six Fortaleza footballers were injured during an attack by rival fans on the bus transporting them after a match in the Copa do Nordeste. The club’s president, Marcelo Paz, denounced it as a “premeditated” act and called for the responsible parties not to go unpunished.
The situation unfolded outside the Arena Pernambuco stadium in the city of Recife following a 1-1 draw against Sport. “After the incident, the delegation was quickly and directly taken to the nearest hospital,” the club stated in a press release.
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According to the official statement, goalkeeper Joao Ricardo, defenders Titi and Dudu, midfielder Lucas Sasha, as well as defenders Gonzalo Escobar and Emanuel Brítez were injured. They sustained cuts, bruises, and injuries from broken glass, all reportedly non-serious according to preliminary information.
“There was no hostility in the match, and then this happened. Fortaleza should only return to play when the players have recovered, even to set an example. The people who did this cannot go unpunished,” stated Paz.
The attack was condemned by a significant number of Brazilian clubs and even by Sport itself. “Sport Club de Recife vehemently condemns the acts of violence committed against the Fortaleza delegation bus,” was the message from the second division team on social media.
