Chileans arrested after Corinthians Arena brawl released on bail

In a hearing held Friday (Apr. 7) in west São Paulo city, 23 of the 24 Chilean football fans arrested in Brazil after a quarrel at the Corinthians Arena were released on bail.

The football fans, however, are still to remain in the country, as a new trial will be held at a small criminal claims court. Only one of them—a Chilean student living in Brazil—was dismissed by the authorities.

The session lasted nearly four hours. Of the 23 released on bail, 21 will have to pay three times the minimum wage in Brazil (a total $898) to be dismissed. They were charged with contempt and damage to property. Two Chileans are to pay five times the minimum wage ($1496) for having caused physical damage.

The football fans were arrested after a brawl at the Corinthians Arena on Wednesday evening (5) during a South American Cup match between Corinthians and Universidad de Chile. The Brazilian team won 2-0.

According to the Military Police, the Chileans damaged the stadium and threw broken seats at officers and fans of the opposing team. The police also reported they had to interfere truncheons and members of the riot police. During the fracas 26 fans were arrested. Two were dismissed on Thursday afternoon (6), among them a journalist man and a woman.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira