This is not good news for soccer fans planning on attending the World Cup next year in Brazil.
Multiple media outlets reported that a Brazilian man was killed when rioters ripped out three toilets from Arruda Stadium and threw them into a crowd during a match between Santa Cruz and Panama on Friday night.
The New York Daily News took an excerpt from Globoesporte from Brazil:
"Globoesporte of Brazil reported that rioters ripped three toilets from the stadium bathroom and tossed them from the stands during Friday night's 1-1 draw between Santa Cruz and Parana. One of the toilets struck a fan identified as 26-year-old Paulo Ricardo Gomes da Silva, killing him instantly.
"The toilet was thrown from the stands and hit him full on," police captain Wilson Queiroz told Globoesporte.
"The victim was with someone at the time but everyone fled the scene after the incident."
The Daily News added that the incident is just the latest in a series of violence that has taken place in connection with the sport in the country:
- "An amateur game in the state of Maranhao turned into a grisly murder scene in July when a referee was stoned to death and decapitated by fans after he fatally stabbed a player.
- Months later, disturbing images from a soccer riot between Atletico Paranaense and Vasco da Gama fans - requiring police to air-lift a critically injured fan to a nearby hospital - prompted an official response from FIFA, with soccer's governing body guaranteeing "a very comprehensive security concept" would be in place for the tournament that begins on June 12.
- During last year's Confederations Cup, considered a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, hundreds of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets to protest against government corruption. Many of the marches turned violent and were blamed for at least ten deaths."
Deadspin.com added the review of a report in which construction workers were killed while hurrying to finish stadiums that will be used for host venues.
Both soccer's governing body, FIFA, and the Brazilian government officials will be under intense scrutiny in the days leading up to the event that begins June 12.
Do you think FIFA should pay for added security after awarding the World Cup to Brazil in the first place? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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