© EuroFootball.com
In Brazil, during the Copa Libertadores cup match, football players clashed with armed riot control officers. The conflict, during which at least four players were detained for questioning, occurred during the match between "Atletico Mineiro" and "Arsenal Sarandi," writes dailymail.co.uk
The visitors, wearing "Arsenal" jerseys, lost the match 2:5 and decided to teach the referees a lesson after the game. They were defended by armed officers. However, this did not stop the Argentine club's players, who began hitting the officers with fists and pepper spray.
Some members of the riot control team even had to defend themselves with batons and shields. The enraged players were not afraid even of rubber bullets from the large-caliber guns carried by the officers.
However, no shots were fired in the stadium. The police were ready to use tear gas, but the conflict did not escalate to that point.
The conflict arose when several "Arsenal" players approached the referees after the match to express dissatisfaction with their work. Soon, several officers approached them and pushed the players away. This angered the Argentinian players, who decided to clarify their relationship with law enforcement officials.
"The officers were there to ensure the safety of the visiting team's players, to escort them to the changing rooms, but the players themselves attacked the officers," said local police officer Claudia Romualdo after the match, stating that she herself received a strong blow.
"This is not related to sports. When laws are broken, we must take action," said the officer, who was struck in the chest by one player.
After the situation calmed down, all "Arsenal" players and the club's delegation could not leave the stadium until the officers identified the players involved in the brawl.
"Atletico Mineiro" club director Eduardo Malufas said that the Argentinian club ransacked the changing rooms after the match.
The incident after the match overshadowed the performance of Brazilian Ronaldinho wearing "Atletico Mineiro" team jerseys. He scored two goals. The "Atletico Mineiro" team has won all five games and is in first place in the group. "Arsenal" is in third place. Two teams from the group advance to the next stage.
