Violence mars Brazil’s Guanabara Cup final

Rio de Janeiro: A late goal from midfielder Danilo Barcelos gave Vasco de Gama a 1-0 victory over Fluminense in a Guanabara Cup final that was marred by violence and confusion.

Barcelos prodded home from close range in the 81st minute, having ghosted in behind Fluminense’s defence following a set piece. The result at the Maracana Stadium guarantees Vasco a berth in the semifinals of the Carioca Championship in April.

A local judge had earlier ordered the match to be played behind closed doors after the clubs could not agree on where their fans would sit. But the decision was reversed 30 minutes after kick-off following violent scenes outside the stadium in which police used pepper spray and fired rubber bullets to disperse angry supporters. Local media said around 30 people were injured in Sunday’s clashes. IANS

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