SAO PAULO — Former Brazil coach Emerson Leao and three of his Goias players were taken to a police station for questioning after a fight with reporters in a Brazilian league soccer match.
Leao and the players were not arrested, but authorities said they will face a criminal process for their role in the brawl after Goias’ 2-2 draw with Vitoria on Wednesday in Salvador.
Television reports showed Leao arguing with a radio reporter and shoving him out of the way. Striker Rafael Moura was later seen throwing a hard punch at the reporter, sending him to the ground.
Other players and reporters got involved as Vitoria fans loudly cheered from the stands, and police had to intervene to keep the fight from escalating. Goias team directors and security guards also were in the melee.
The fight apparently began because Leao was upset with the refereeing and didn’t want to be interviewed after the match. Goias was leading 2-0 before Vitoria rallied for a tie late in the match.
Leao was heard complaining that the reporter, Roque Santos, was “putting the microphone to my mouth.” He raised his finger near the reporter’s face before pushing him away.
Santos was upset, and some players came to help separate the two. But others went after the journalist, throwing punches and trying to kick him. Moura ran at full speed toward Santos and struck him with a powerful right-handed punch.
Leao later tried to go after Santos but was unable to get near him.
Santos went to the police station to talk to authorities after the match. He told local media that he went to interview the coach to ask what happened to his team.
Santos said he plans to sue Leao, Moura and the other two Goias players allegedly involved, midfielder Romerito and striker Marcao. Moura reportedly tried to apologize to Santos for punching him.
Leao did not talk to other reporters after the brawl. Goias president Syd de Oliveira accused local media of “provoking” Leao and his players.
“Everyone saw that the reporter struck Leao with the microphone when the coach was trying to talk to the referee,” Oliveira told local media.
Leao, a former Brazil goalkeeper who coached the national team in 2002, is known for his temper on and off the field.
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