Clube de Regatas do Flamengo publicly regrets the problems that occurred in access to Maracanã during this Wednesday's match against Botafogo, for the Copa do Brasil.
Flamengo took all the usual precautions for a high-profile derby: reinforced security with over 600 private security guards; complete fencing to accommodate queues at all entrances; placement of fan guides; and a request for police personnel from the authorities to patrol the stadium's surroundings. For this match, the Special Stadium Policing Group (GEPE) deployed 235 personnel.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond Flamengo's control, the late entry of fans into Maracanã resulted in crowds, a phenomenon seen so often around the stadium on match days for all clubs. This is primarily due to the consumption of drinks purchased from street vendors and the significant influx of ticket scalpers selling counterfeit tickets. Neither of these events has been properly reprimanded by government agencies.
It's worth remembering that the Maracanã gates opened at 19 p.m., two hours and forty-five minutes before kickoff. However, by 20:50 p.m., only 19 people had entered the stadium. Later, due to crowds and delays, attempted crowd invasions were detected in several areas. Footage of the disturbances will be analyzed to identify the fans who caused the disturbance, so that appropriate action can be taken.
Finally, we thank those who went to Maracanã to express their love for the Most Beloved in an orderly manner. And we inform you that we count on the government agencies to prevent further problems.
Flamengo took all the usual precautions for a high-profile derby: reinforced security with over 600 private security guards; complete fencing to accommodate queues at all entrances; placement of fan guides; and a request for police personnel from the authorities to patrol the stadium's surroundings. For this match, the Special Stadium Policing Group (GEPE) deployed 235 personnel.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond Flamengo's control, the late entry of fans into Maracanã resulted in crowds, a phenomenon seen so often around the stadium on match days for all clubs. This is primarily due to the consumption of drinks purchased from street vendors and the significant influx of ticket scalpers selling counterfeit tickets. Neither of these events has been properly reprimanded by government agencies.
It's worth remembering that the Maracanã gates opened at 19 p.m., two hours and forty-five minutes before kickoff. However, by 20:50 p.m., only 19 people had entered the stadium. Later, due to crowds and delays, attempted crowd invasions were detected in several areas. Footage of the disturbances will be analyzed to identify the fans who caused the disturbance, so that appropriate action can be taken.
Finally, we thank those who went to Maracanã to express their love for the Most Beloved in an orderly manner. And we inform you that we count on the government agencies to prevent further problems.