By Mark Baber
December 19 – The war of words following the abandonment of the Copa Sudamerica final in Sao Paolo overshadowed the handing over of the state-of-the-art Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza on Sunday, and any publicity coup for Brazilian World Cup organisers.
Brazil’s sports minister Aldo Rebelo has re-iterated that no stone will be left unturned in terms of security at the 2014 World Cup as the fallout continues into last week’s abandonment of the showpiece Copa Sudamericana final in Sao Paolo.
The Sao Paulo State Public Security Department is interviewing witnesses and CONMEBOL have promised an investigation into the circumstances of the match abandonment. FIFA said that security plans for the upcoming FIFA tournaments in 2013 and 2014 will be reviewed by their own security experts.
Sao Paolo.were awarded the Copa Sudamerica title after Argentinean side Tigre refused to come out for the second half, leading to the tie being abandoned and the title being awarded to home side Sao Paolo.
With the home side leading 2-0 there were scuffles on the pitch just before half-time. According to Tigre players and staff the violence continued in the tunnel and then in the dressing room. Tigre goalkeeper, Damian Albi, said: “The fight lasted 15 minutes, a lot of security people came to us and attacked us. Suddenly, I realise that I had a gun against my chest. If we did go out to play, it would be a battle in the field. There was no security, it was impossible to play.”
Albi’s account was supported by Tigre coach, Nestor Gorosito. “During the break a big guy came out with a gun. Some policemen started to hit some of my players. We tried to defend ourselves. My players fought with the security people for 15 minutes. Then the police arrived and the incidents continued,” said Gorosito.
Argentinian and Brazilian TV showed what appeared to be blood spattered walls in the dressing room and, on his return to Argentina, Tigre captain Martin Galmarini claimed the trouble began before the game as the coach carrying the players had its windows smashed by rocks and beer bottles.
The Argentine version of events was denied categorically by Sao Paulo coach Ney Franco who claimed “there was no fighting, no guns. Tigre didn’t come out for the second half because they chickened out.”
Sao Paulo president, Juvanal Juvenicio was even more inflammatory claiming, “we will celebrate twice: the Argentinians’ runaway was
our greatest victory.”
FIFA issued a statement making it clear that they were not involved in the match operation and, “for the FIFA Confederations Cup and FIFA World Cup there will be a comprehensive security concept for the stadiums in place developed by the local organising committee together with the respective authorities and reviewed by FIFA security experts.”
Meanwhile the revamped 64,165-capacity Estadio Castelao was handed over to the two Fortaleza clubs, Caera and Fortaleza, ahead of schedule. The stadium will host one of Brazil’s group games at the 2014 World Cup.
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