Brazilian soccer fan dies in ambush by rival supporters in São Paulo

Brazilian authorities reported that a Cruzeiro fan was killed in a roadside ambush by rival supporters in São Paulo state early Sunday.

The victim was declared dead at a hospital in Mairiporã, 46 kilometers (28 miles) north of São Paulo, where at least 12 others were also treated for injuries sustained in the same attack.

Brazilian TV showed scenes of injured Cruzeiro fans lying on sidewalks as Palmeiras supporters struck them with sticks and other objects.

The Federal Highway Police confirmed the incident took place around 5:20 am.

Cruzeiro issued a statement on social media Sunday afternoon, expressing sorrow over the violent incident: “Cruzeiro deeply regrets yet another episode of violence between fans, this time during the early hours of the morning on the Fernão Dias highway, which culminated in the death of a Cruzeiro fan and several others injured.

There is no longer any room for violence in football, a sport that unites passions and crowds. We need to put an end to these criminal acts.”

According to the Brazilian outlet Itatiaia, the ambush was allegedly retaliation for a confrontation in September 2022 that left several Palmeiras fans injured.

The Cruzeiro supporters were en route to Belo Horizonte after a 3-0 loss to Athletico Paranaense in Brazil’s top league on Saturday.

Palmeiras have yet to comment publicly on the tragic incident.

Brazil’s federal road police identified the deceased victim as a 30-year-old man but provided no further details.

São Paulo’s public security secretariat stated that ultra-supporters from Palmeiras were behind the attack.

Footage also captured a bus set ablaze and Palmeiras fans striking Cruzeiro supporters.

Cruzeiro reiterated its stance against fan violence on social media, while São Paulo-based Palmeiras has yet to comment on the incident.

Brazilian publication Itatiaia found that the ambush was a response to a confrontation that took place in September 2022, when several Palmeiras fans were injured.

Footage on Brazilian TV showed a bus on fire and several Cruzeiro fans lying on the sidewalk as Palmeiras supporters punched them and hit them with sticks.

Cruzeiro said on its social media channels that it “deeply regrets yet another incident of fan violence” in Brazil.