4 fans shot near World Cup host city in Brazil

In this photo taken on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, hotels situated in the area known as the Hotel Sector in Brasilia, Brazil. The Brazilian government is concerned that some hotels listed on FIFA’s website for the 2014 World Cup plan to overcharge during the tournament. Brazil’s tourism board has notified the justice ministry after one of its studies showed that rates will be up to 500 percent more expensive during the World Cup in some hotels from the agency MATCH Services, which is listed on FIFA’s website. AP FILE PHOTO

SAO PAULO — Authorities say four fans were shot before a second division match in northeastern Brazil, the latest case of fan violence for the 2014 World Cup host.

Police said two fans were shot in their feet and two in their legs during a confrontation before Saturday’s match between America and Ceara just outside the host city of Natal, where America is based. Two fans remained hospitalized, but their lives were not at risk.

Police officer Fabio Sandrine told the G1 website that Ceara fans driving by the stadium fired at the America fans waiting outside.

The teams’ supporters also confronted each other inside the stadium and police had to intervene with pepper spray and tear gas.

Sandrine said about 20 people were detained, but the shooters were yet to be identified.

Read more...