PALMEIRAS’ Copa Libertadores clash with Penarol descended into violence after a dramatic conclusion to the on-pitch action.
Players, including Felipe Melo, could be seen throwing punches while supporters fought back and forth in the stands as South America’s elite cup competition descended into chaos on Wednesday night.
And Palmeiras coach Eduardo Baptista accused Uruguayan club Penarol of deliberately preventing his players from leaving the field amid the trouble.
The Brazilian side rallied to defeat their hosts 3-2 in a Copa Libertadores match on Wednesday.
Brazilian champions Palmeiras were losing 2-0 at half-time but scored three goals in the second half to almost guarantee their place in the knockout stage of the competition.
However, television pictures showed Penarol players attacking Palmeiras goalkeeper Fernando Prass and combative midfielder Melo after the final whistle.
The outspoken Melo had accused some Penarol players of racist abuse when they met in Sao Paulo and later warned he would not shirk from slapping his opponents in the face when they meet again.
He responded to being targeted with punches as a mass brawl ensued.
‘It’s lamentable,’ said a clearly agitated Baptista. ‘Premeditated the way it was it could have been much worse.
‘When we tried to leave the field the tunnel was closed and security guards stopped us from leaving. Our own security got us off the field and stopped something worse happening.’
Palmeiras lead group five with 10 points from four games. Penarol are bottom with three.
SOURCE: DAILYMAIL
