Brazilian Serie A game abandoned after Ponte Preta fans invade pitch in anger over relegation

Fans streamed on to the playing surface and angrily confronted their goalkeeper, Aranha

A Brazilian first division game between Ponte Preta and Vitoria was abandoned on Sunday when Ponte fans invaded the pitch.

Ponte, the home team, had just conceded to be 3-2 behind and with eight minutes to go were heading for relegation when fans streamed on to the playing surface and angrily confronted their goalkeeper, Aranha.

The majority of players fled the pitch as police battled to contain the fans. The defeat means Ponte will be relegated to Serie B with one game remaining of the season.

“I’d like to thank the true Ponte Preta fans that came, applauded and supported us but I can’t condone the pitch invasion,” said Ponte’s president, Vanderlei Pereira.

“I know everybody was on edge, no one likes to get relegated like that, but there’s no justification for vandalism.”