RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Rio de Janeiro police officers and soccer fans clashed Wednesday near the city’s international airport as Flamengo’s team prepared to travel to Peru to play Palmeiras in the Brazilian Copa Libertadores final.
According to local media, around 12 fans climbed onto the Flamengo bus through the ceiling as thousands of people cheered outside. Footage seen by the Associated Press showed authorities using tear gas and rubber bullets during the clashes, and some fans fighting back.
Flamengo midfielder Saul Niguez joked about the incident on his social media channels, showing fans boarding the bus from above.
“We have some new signings,” the former Atletico Madrid player wrote.
The Brazilian club has not commented on the incident.
Authorities have not commented on the injuries or arrests.
The two teams will clash on Saturday at Lima’s Monumental Stadium for the title of South American club.
Brazilian teams have won every Copa Libertadores title since 2019, with Saturday’s finalists each picking up two wins in that span.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
