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'Too worked up' Brazil clashes leave one dead, one injured
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -- One soccer fan was killed and at least one other was injured in violent clashes between rival fans after Flamengo beat Vasco in Rio's Maracana stadium, police said Saturday. Flavio Augusto Marinho, 14, was shot and killed as euphoric Flamengo fans and defeated Vasco supporters faced off at different points around the city after Friday night's game. Flamengo fan Rodrigo Cunha Coutinho, 18, was severely beaten and rushed to hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning. "That's what happens after the excitement of the game," a police spokesman told Reuters. "In the confusion and euphoria, people get too worked up." Some 2,000 police had provided security in and around the stadium. Rio Governor Anthony Garotinho condemned the violence on Saturday and urged soccer fans to control themselves. "People don't have to go armed to a soccer field," Garotinho said. "People have to realize that the game should be a place of happiness." Four people were also injured in car accidents as fans streamed out of the stadium, according to local media, while 25 thefts and car robberies were reported. Brazilian matches are often followed by clashes as die-hard fans parade through streets to declare victory or denounce losses. Flamengo, Brazil's most popular team, had been on a losing streak this season but beat Vasco 4-0 on Friday.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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