Extraordinary scenes broke out in the match between Criciúma and Corinthians in the Brazilian top flight on Saturday as the hometown mascot provoked visiting players.
Footage shows the Criciúma mascot – a tiger – first being taken over towards the visiting fans on a stretcher. The mascot is then pursued and even kicked at by members of the Corinthians playing squad.
Corinthians went on to win 4-2 at the Heriberto Hülse stadium, but only after fractious moments in the stands, as well as on the pitch.
According to reports in Brazil, there was some scuffling in the stands between Corinthians fans in the away end during the half-time break. And while playing reserves and members of the coaching team went over to the barriers of the stands to try and help calm down the situation, that was when the tiger mascot was carried over.
After being shoved from behind the mascot runs down the tunnel, celebrating with its arms stretched out, similar to Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ celebration.
Corinthians players are seen afterwards continuing to remonstrate with people from the home club. Reports in Brazil also state that one of the ball boys was also shown a red card for their involvement in the confrontations.
Corinthians, who boast Netherlands forward Memphis Depay among their playing group, are eighth in the Brazilian top division, equal on points with Bahia.
After Depay signed a two-year deal with the Brazilian outfit, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman weighed in on the move, comparing his situation to that of fellow forward Steven Bergwijn, who also left Europe, with the former Tottenham Hotspur player joining Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
“I disapproved of Steven Bergwijn’s move to Saudi, with Memphis it can be different,” Koeman told reporters on Monday. “The level of the league in Brazil is different, so yes, he can still be part of the national team, but it depends on his fitness and if he reaches his level.”
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
