AT least 60 people were hurt after a mass riot among fans and security staff at a match in South America.
The clash between Sport Recife and Santa Cruz in Brazil saw supporters needing medical attention on the pitch after the horrific scenes on the terraces.
However, local police chief Cezar Moraes insists his department’s handling of the situation was “a success”.
Trouble started when a was fan spotted a taking out a laser, which he was preparing to flash in players’ eyes, and is illegal in Brazilian football stadiums.
Members of the police entered into the gantries to try to confiscate the item, but were met with resistance as various supporters fought back.
They were forced to use pepper spray in an attempt to stop the violence, which caused a crush lower-end and ambulances were called on the scene as several fans lost consciousness.
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Around 25 people were rushed to hospital with 60 injured in total — although none were reported to be life threatening, despite one supporter suffering an exposed fracture.
But Moraes blamed the fans for the problem, accusing them of causing an “avalanche” and insisted the police did the right thing.
He explained: “We performed an action within the rules. When we identified the fan, we did everything within the rules.
“The confusion was caused by the fans. The priority was to help those injured, so the necessary force was implemented in order to stop people entering the pitch.”
Moraes also confirmed five people were arrested as the match continued after the violence, finishing 1-1.
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