I fought the VAR: Brazilian club faces sanctions after frustrated fans smash pitchside screen

Brazilian club Gremio face sanctions, including a possible ban on future home matches, after fans invaded the pitch and smashed up the video assistant referee (VAR) screen following a 3-1 loss to Palmeiras.

The home fans were angry after VAR annulled an equaliser in the dying minutes of Sunday’s game with the score at 2-1.

Palmeiras scored a third in stoppage time to clinch all three points and leave Gremio second bottom of Serie A.

Some Gremio fans invaded the pitch while others fought on the terraces. The players, who were leaving the field, sought refuge in the dressing rooms.

Ronaldo Botelho Piacente, procurator-general of Brazil’s Supreme Court of Sporting Justice, said an inquiry could lead to Gremio being fined up to 100,000 reais ($17,600) and forced to play as many as 10 games behind closed doors or at an alternative venue away from Porto Alegre.

“This will be investigated,” Piacente told Brazilian newspaper O Globo. “The intention is that Gremio will lose their home rights.”

The crowd trouble occurred even though stadiums in Brazil are allowing in only a limited number of fans due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Reuters

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.

Watch Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo and football’s biggest superstars in the UEFA Champions League with every match streaming ad-free, live and on-demand only on Stan Sport from this Wednesday 15 September.

Start your 7-day free trial here.

Most Viewed in Sport

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article