Photographer is hospitalized after being hit by an explosive at Arena MRV in the Copa do Brasil final

A photographer was hospitalized after being targeted by a firecracker at Arena MRV, during the Copa do Brasil final, on Sunday. Nuremberg José Maria was covering the second match between Atlético-MG and Flamengo when he was hit, suffering injuries to his hand and foot. In a statement, the Minas Gerais club states that it will cooperate with the investigations.

According to the Association of Photographic and Cinematographic Reporters of Minas Gerais (Arfoc-MG), Nuremberg fractured three fingers, in addition to tearing tendons and suffering a cut to his foot. The entity reported that he was rescued and taken to João XXIII Hospital, where he underwent surgery.

“Arfoc-MG had already reported problems of this nature to the administration of Arena MRV. It was agreed that security measures would be implemented. But, if they were, they are not enough”, criticized the entity, in a note. “Arfoc-MG offers solidarity to all its associates and other press professionals affected by the violent acts carried out by vandals dressed up as Atlético-MG fans and demands measures from Arena MRV and Atlético-MG to ensure and preserve the physical integrity of its members, as well as its equipment”, he concludes.

The Minas Gerais club published a note in which it signed a commitment so that cases like this Sunday do not happen again. “Regarding the incidents that occurred at Arena MRV during the Copa Do Brasil final, Atlético will collaborate with the authorities to identify the offenders,” he wrote. The Minas Gerais Football Federation (FMF) expressed solidarity with Nuremberg and wished the photographer a recovery.

According to referee Raphael Claus’ summary, bombs were thrown towards the pitch four times: at 9, 49, 50 and 52 minutes into the game. Claus also reported throwing glasses at 6, 45, 51 and 82 minutes of the match. Everyone came from the home crowd, said the judge.

Claus also recorded two instances of lasers trying to impair the vision of Rossi, Flamengo’s goalkeeper. Furthermore, there was a seven-minute stoppage after Flamengo’s goal, due to objects thrown at the players. It was at that moment that a fan invaded the pitch.

A new invasion attempt was reported by the referee. It happened moments before the awards ceremony. Private security guards and Military Police agents, including using pepper gas, contained the invaders.

The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) can punish Atlético-MG in the event of a trial. Article 213 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD) provides for a fine of R$100 to R$100 thousand for throwing objects on the field.

Also according to the legislation, when the case is understood to be a “highly serious” situation or harms the progress of the match, the club may suffer loss of control of the field for one to ten matches.

However, the same item of the CBJD provides for the principal’s exemption from liability if the perpetrators of the throwing of objects are identified and detained. “Other means of evidence sufficient to demonstrate the lack of responsibility (of the club) are also admissible”, says the third paragraph of article 213.