Palmeiras fan group banned from local stadiums after altercation with police in Brazil - 01/09/2011

Source : Associated Press

The Sao Paulo state soccer federation has banned a Palmeiras fan group from local stadiums after a confrontation with police ended with two supporters being shot.

The federation says in a statement Thursday that the ban for the Mancha Alviverde group will last until authorities finish their investigation and punish those responsible for the confrontation.

One of the fans shot before Sunday’s match against Corinthians in Presidente Prudente remains in serious condition.

The ban comes after police admitted that the shots may have come from officers trying to contain the altercation. The case remains under investigation.

Eight-time champion Palmeiras is the fourth most popular club in Brazil, behind Flamengo, Corinthians and Sao Paulo.