02:46Over 250 fans of Uruguayan football club Penarol were arrested by police in Rio de Janeiro following violent riots and clashes with law enforcement. The altercations occurred ahead of the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final against Brazilian team Botafogo.
Police accused the supporters of vandalizing and looting businesses and vehicles in the city.
Footage of the incident shows officers clashing with fans, deploying tear gas, and detaining individuals while securing the area. Supporters, dressed in club jerseys, were seen sitting along the street under close police surveillance before being escorted onto buses.
In the aftermath of the clashes, the scene displayed signs of chaos, with burnt vehicles and debris strewn across the street.
The violence unfolded just hours before the anticipated match between Botafogo and Penarol in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final at Estadio Nilton Santos, where Botafogo triumphed over the Uruguayan side with a resounding score of 5-0.
The second leg is scheduled to take place on October 31 at Estadio Campeón del Siglo in Montevideo, raising concerns about the atmosphere for fans and players alike.
Clashes erupt in Rio de Janeiro as police detain over 250 Penarol fans ahead of Copa Libertadores semi-final against Botafogo
Over 250 fans of Uruguayan football club Penarol were arrested by police in Rio de Janeiro following violent riots and clashes with law enforcement. The altercations occurred ahead of the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final against Brazilian team Botafogo.
Police accused the supporters of vandalizing and looting businesses and vehicles in the city.
Footage of the incident shows officers clashing with fans, deploying tear gas, and detaining individuals while securing the area. Supporters, dressed in club jerseys, were seen sitting along the street under close police surveillance before being escorted onto buses.
In the aftermath of the clashes, the scene displayed signs of chaos, with burnt vehicles and debris strewn across the street.
The violence unfolded just hours before the anticipated match between Botafogo and Penarol in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final at Estadio Nilton Santos, where Botafogo triumphed over the Uruguayan side with a resounding score of 5-0.
The second leg is scheduled to take place on October 31 at Estadio Campeón del Siglo in Montevideo, raising concerns about the atmosphere for fans and players alike.
Over 250 fans of Uruguayan football club Penarol were arrested by police in Rio de Janeiro following violent riots and clashes with law enforcement. The altercations occurred ahead of the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final against Brazilian team Botafogo.
Police accused the supporters of vandalizing and looting businesses and vehicles in the city.
Footage of the incident shows officers clashing with fans, deploying tear gas, and detaining individuals while securing the area. Supporters, dressed in club jerseys, were seen sitting along the street under close police surveillance before being escorted onto buses.
In the aftermath of the clashes, the scene displayed signs of chaos, with burnt vehicles and debris strewn across the street.
The violence unfolded just hours before the anticipated match between Botafogo and Penarol in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final at Estadio Nilton Santos, where Botafogo triumphed over the Uruguayan side with a resounding score of 5-0.
The second leg is scheduled to take place on October 31 at Estadio Campeón del Siglo in Montevideo, raising concerns about the atmosphere for fans and players alike.