RIO DE JANEIRO. – What began as a massive and festive farewell to the Flamengo delegation heading to the Copa Libertadores final ended this Wednesday in chaos and tension, after thousands of fans caused disturbances at Rio de Janeiro International Airport.
You may be interested inTough day for Spanish clubs in the Champions League: defeats for Barca and Villarreal and draw for Athletic
The so-called
“AeroFla”, known for gathering crowds whenever the team travels to decisive matches, was this time the scene of clashes between fans and the Military Police, who resorted to tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to control the situation.
Journey turned into an overflowing caravan
The concentrations began early at the
Ninho do Urubu, where the players boarded the buses to the airport. The caravan, followed by motorcyclists and motorists, advanced amidst chants, horns, and flags, fueled by the recent 1-1 draw against Atlético Mineiro, a result that left the club close to the Brasileirão title.
In the midst of security failures, several fans climbed onto the roof of the buses and even managed to enter one of them, according to images spread by players on social media.
“
My God, what madness!”, wrote the Spaniard Saúl Ñíguez, describing the moments of bewilderment in the middle of the journey.
The vehicles, hit in several places, arrived with dents and a broken window.
Clashes upon arrival at the airport
The most critical point occurred at the entrances to the airport’s Cargo Terminal, blocked exclusively for the delegation. When the police tried to prevent the advance of the crowd, a stampede occurred that left injuries and forced several fans to escape running while the forces of order dispersed the area.
Flamengo travels with doubts and historical aspirations
The team departed for Lima, where they will play the Libertadores final against Palmeiras on Saturday, with the opportunity to become the first Brazilian club to reach
four continental titles.
Among the travelers are Pedro and Léo Ortiz, still recovering, while Danilo and Bruno Henrique are emerging as options for Filipe Luís’s starting eleven. Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata also traveled, although he will not be able to play due to suspension.
The team’s arrival in Lima is scheduled for 17:00 Brazilian time (20:00 GMT)
