Leao jeered as nine-man Corinthians are held

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Crisis-hit Corinthians had two players sent off and coach Emerson Leao was insulted by fans during a 1-1 draw with humble Rio Branco over the weekend.

Corinthians fans chanted 'donkey, donkey' every time Leao ventured to the touchline during the second half as his side completed their fourth game without a win, all against modest opposition.

Leao, who last year saved Corinthians from relegation in the Brazilian championship, was involved in an angry altercation with photographers on the pitch and later denied hearing the insults.

'Protests, what protests? I didn't hear anything,' the former Brazil goalkeeper and coach told reporters.

Corinthians are seventh in the Paulista championship, one of the plethora of regional competitions which kick off the marathon Brazilian season, and in danger of not qualifying for the semi-finals.

Bolivian striker Juan Carlos Arce gave Corinthians a 19th minute lead before Rio Branco had Felipe sent off for a second bookable offence after a Corinthians player was tripped outside the area.

Television replays, however, suggested Rio Branco's Josias had committed the foul and that Felipe was sent off by mistake.

Corinthians had Bruno Octavio sent off in the second half for what appeared to be an accidental collision with an opponent, and defender Betao picked up a second yellow card and was dismissed for the third time this year.

In between, Rossini equalised for Rio Branco.

Santos, playing their 13th match in 38 days in all competitions, won 1-0 at Marilia to stay top with 25 points from 10 games.

Defender Cristiano Avalos scored the winner, back-heading the ball into the net from a free kick in the 89th minute.

Brazilian champions Sao Paulo beat Bragantino 1-0 thanks to a long-range goal by Jadilson in the 31st minute, to stay one point behind in second place.

Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Marcos made his 350th appearance for Palmeiras in their 2-1 win over Sao Caetano, a match interrupted for 11 minutes by a torrential downpour in the first half.

Gremio lost their 100 per cent record this season when they were held 1-1 by Sao Jose in the Gaucho (Rio Grande do Sul) championship.

Manga put Sao Jose ahead and Aloisio equalised for Gremio, who had won their previous eight games -- seven in the Gaucho championship plus one in the Libertadores Cup.

Teenager Kerlon scored his first goal for Cruzeiro as they thrashed Ituiutaba 4-1 to stay top in the Minas Gerais championship.

Kerlon shone for Brazil in the 2005 South American under-17 championship when he scored eight goals and became famous for bouncing the ball on his forehead as he ran down the touchline, earning him the nickname The Seal.

However, he has struggled to live up to his promise at senior level.