GREMIO players were forced to take refuge in the tunnel and dressing room on Sunday after fans stormed the pitch following the 3-1 defeat against Palmeiras.
Supporters invaded the Arena do Gremio pitch to smash up the VAR system after Elias’ goal was controversially ruled out for offside which could have secured them a point.
Instead, they conceded in the 94th minute after Breno Lopes wrapped up the victory for the visitors to leave Gremio facing the shock possibility of relegation.
Following the full-time whistle, fans let their anger be known as they smashed up the VAR system, along with the photographer’s equipment, according to Globo Esporte.
Players immediately made their way down the tunnel to escape the furious mob, with Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga abandoning his interview to run to the dressing rooms.
And fans of both teams clashed in the stands as they exchanged punches along the side of the glass divider.
The supporters on the pitch eventually returned back to the stands after riot police arrived on the scene.
Gremio could now be hit with a ten-match stadium closure along with a £13million fine.
Chief prosecutor Ronaldo Botelho Piacente said: “The punishments for pitch invasions can be fines up to 100 million reals [£12.9m] and playing behind closed doors for up to 10 games.
“Stadium closures only happen in serious cases, and in this case it is obvious how serious it is.
“I want Gremio punished, but the judgement will be down to the court.”
Commenting on the wild scenes, one fan tweeted: “I’m sure this is the only way to deal with VAR.”
Another messaged: “I mean this is one way to deal with VAR.”
A third added: “South American football fans are just a different breed.”
Meanwhile one simply stated: “Love the passion, but this benefits no-one.”
Brazilian top-flight side Gremio sit 19th in the table with 11 games to go, with the club seven points off safety.
After finishing sixth last season, there was hope from fans that they could compete for the title having brought in winger Douglas Costa on loan from Juventus.
And they even recruited experienced defender Rafinha, but results have been terrible, with legendary boss Luiz Felipe Scolari resigning earlier this month.
Up next for Vagner Mancini’s men is a trip to table-toppers Athletic Mineiro, who have lost just five put of their 28 league games this term.
In contrast, Gremio have been defeated on 15 occasions, with the Porto Alegre outfit losing four out of their last five fixtures.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
