Fans injured in crush before Brazil training - reports

October 11, 2005

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Dozens of football fans were injured in a crush at the stadium where Brazil were training for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Venezuela, Brazilian media said on Tuesday.

The Globonews cable television channel put the initial injury toll at about 100, including children.

Reports said fans tried to force their way into the Mangueirao stadium, in the northern city of Belem, which was already full to its capacity of about 55,000 one hour before the practice was due to start.

The training session was open to the public, who were asked to donate one kilo of non-perishable food.

World champions Brazil routinely attract thousands of fans to watch them practice before home internationals and get a rare glimpse of their top players, who are all based in Europe.

The training sessions are popular with ordinary Brazilians who cannot afford tickets to international matches. Brazil have already qualified for the 2006 World Cup in Germany while Venezuela have been eliminated.

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