Rio Police Thwart Planned Hooligan Attack Before Vasco–Fluminense Copa do Brasil Semifinal

Overview

• The 41st Police Station said its intelligence unit uncovered a Força Jovem do Vasco scheme to provoke violence ahead of Thursday’s first leg at the Maracanã.
• Officers searched a residence in Anil and seized clubs, cables, nails and mortars, along with apparel tied to organized fan groups from Rio and a shirt linked to a São Paulo torcida.
• Resident Henrique Douglas da Silva de Moura allowed police entry, confessed the plan and was arrested and booked on counts of attempting to promote disorder and incite violence.
• Police said the group’s stated aim was to intimidate rivals and prevent Fluminense supporters from accessing the stadium on match day.
• Authorities report the immediate plot has been disrupted and that investigations continue to identify additional participants and secure the semifinal.