Police fire stun grenades and rubber bullets at fans of Chelsea's Club World Cup opponents Flamengo after 3,000 turned up to see them off at the airport
Share this @internewscast.com

Flamengo’s Club World Cup campaign has already got off to a dramatic start before a ball has even been kicked, with their send-off resulting in police reportedly using stun grenades and rubber bullets to quell protests.

Flamengo are one of four Brazilian sides in the 32-club competition, along with Fluminense, Botafogo and Palmeiras, and will face Chelsea, ES Tunis and Mexico’s Leon in the groups.

However, their campaign comes at a time when one of their key stars, Gerson, is nearing an exit to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, which has proven quite a divisive issue among the fans. 

Allegedly chanting ‘Gerson, go f*** yourself, Flamengo doesn’t need you,’ many of the red-black fans brought fake R$3 bills with the player’s face on it, calling him a ‘mercenary, Judas, traitor’.

A video was posted on social media of fans holding their middle fingers up in the direction of the team bus and chanting.  

Star player Gerson is set to depart for Zenit St Petersburg in a move that has incensed fans

Star player Gerson is set to depart for Zenit St Petersburg in a move that has incensed fans

Fans were seen climbing aboard the team's bus after it arrived at Rio de Janeiro's Galeao airport

Fans were protesting against Gerson's departure

Fans were seen climbing aboard the team’s bus after it arrived at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeao airport

One report claims that some fans managed to make their way onto the bus, which resulted in an increase in the tensions.

The Military Police are thought to have used stun grenades in an attempt to disperse the fans.

On arrival at the airport, some fans managed to gain access to the top of the bus, as per reports, with police using pepper spray and rubber bullets. 

A specific traffic plan had been constructed for the event with roadblocks put up near to the airport, perhaps in anticipation of the unrest surrounding Gerson. 

The 28-year-old midfielder is in his second stint at the club, having left for Marseille in 2021 before returning in January 2023. 

Interestingly he first featured for Flamengo’s Fla-Flu rivals Fluminense back in 2016 before he departed for Italy, with stints at Roma and Fiorentina. 

Since his return though he has been one of their most important players, playing 141 times, though he has only managed 11 goals. 

The Rio-based side will fly into Atlantic City and will have their first training session ahead of the competition on Thursday. 

Fans printed fake R$3 bills with Gerson's face calling him 'a mercenary, a Judas and a traitor'

Fans printed fake R$3 bills with Gerson’s face calling him ‘a mercenary, a Judas and a traitor’

Reports had suggested around 3,000 fans had turned out for the Club World Cup send-off

Reports had suggested around 3,000 fans had turned out for the Club World Cup send-off

Gerson has made 141 appearances for Flamengo in his second spell at the club

Gerson has made 141 appearances for Flamengo in his second spell at the club

They will be based at the Stockton University for their first two matches, which will be against Tunisian side ES Tunis on Tuesday, and Chelsea next Friday. 

They will then move to a new home for their match up with Mexico’s Leon, which will be played in Florida the following Wednesday. 

The Club World Cup has this season been expanded to a 32-team competition and will be hosted across the United States of America. 

As well as Chelsea, Manchester City will be representing the Premier League, with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG, Juventus, RB Salzburg, Benfica and Porto flying the European flag. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Josko Gvardiol of Man City Prepares for Season with ‘Intense Tactical Training’

While the majority of footballers spend their off-seasons either relaxing on a…

From Man United Teammate to Cake Business Entrepreneur: My Journey with Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay to Inspiring the Next Generation

Ntumba Massanka’s most heartbreaking moment in life came in football – so…

Loris Karius Opens Up About His Marriage to TV Host Diletta Leotta and Their Long-Distance Living Arrangement

Loris Karius has bared all on his relationship with his famous wife,…

Michael Vaughan on England’s Need for a ‘Psychologist’ for Australian Ashes; Alastair Cook Raises Alarm on Liam Dawson

England will be under the microscope like never before in the Ashes…

Martin Dismisses Worries Over Dugout Ban Following Red Card in Middlesbrough Friendly

Russell Martin claims he isn’t worried about being hit with a touchline…

Pep Guardiola Channels Ted Lasso Vibes with Fresh Style Choice

Pep Guardiola has switched up his style – and Manchester City fans…

Nike Revives ‘Joga Bonito’ Spirit with New Kit Release

Few football jerseys evoke fond memories like Brazil’s Nike Total 90 kit…

5 Key Insights from Newcastle United’s 0-1 Defeat to K League XI: New Striker Target, Sesko Transfer Update, and Rising Teen Star

Newcastle were beaten 1-0 by a K-League XI at the Suwon World…

Hugo Ekitike Seen Training in Vintage Gerrard Jersey Weeks Ahead of Rumored £80m Liverpool Transfer

Hugo Ekitike showed his interest in joining Liverpool as photos surfaced of…

Why Arsenal Think Viktor Gyokeres Could End Their 21-Year Title Drought After Choosing the £64m Star Over Benjamin Sesko

A season full of missed chances in front of goal left Arsenal…

Why William Osula Isn’t the Replacement for Alexander Isak and the 15-Year-Old Who Might Join England’s World Cup Squad Next Year – Key Takeaways from Newcastle vs Arsenal by Craig Hope

Arsenal signed off from the first leg of their Far East tour…