High heels blamed for riots in Brazil

Brazilian club Vitoria blamed a fan wearing high heels for the trouble on the terraces that caused panic during Sunday's derby match at home to Bahia.

"A female fan, who was wearing high heels, lost her balance and fell on top of another fan and this led to a domino effect," said the Salvador-based club on their website (www.ecvitoria.com.br).

"This led to some panic and some fans were slightly injured. They were quickly treated in the five ambulances by four doctors and eight nurses."

The statement denied media reports that 50 fans had been injured and that some had suffered broken bones.

Brazilian media said on Monday that the game had been marred by fighting on the terraces between riot police and a group of Vitoria supporters known as The Invincibles.

Reports also said that rival fans clashed outside the ground at the end of the game.