Policing will be reinforced for Flamengo x Peñarol

Rio de Janeiro's security forces are on alert for Libertadores week, following fights between Flamengo and Vasco fans last weekend. Three matches are scheduled for the city between Wednesday (18) and Thursday (19), involving five Brazilian teams and Peñarol, who will face Flamengo at Maracanã in a highly rivalry duel. This game will have the largest police force.

On Wednesday, the games will start with Fluminense x Atlético-MG, at 7pm, at Maracanã, followed by Botafogo x São Paulo at Engenhão, at 9:30pm. It is rare to see two Rio teams playing against Brazilian teams on the same day. The following day, Thursday (19), Flamengo will face Peñarol at Maracanã at 7pm.

A contingent of more than 2,000 security agents was defined for the three games, in addition to 900 company professionals companies that will operate inside the stadiums. The information comes from journalist Rafael Oliveira, from O Globo.

The Flamengo x Peñarol game will feature the largest number of personnel, with 750 police officers from the Special Stadium Policing Battalion (Bepe) and 90 from the 6th Police Battalion Military (BPM), responsible for the area. This contingent of 840 agents is larger than that designated for Sunday's classic, which had 766 police officers.

Policing for Fluminense x Atlético-MG will be 670 agents, and for Botafogo x São Paulo, 470 . possible clashes between Flamengo and Peñarol fans in the coming days. In 2019, Uruguayan fans attacked red and black fans on Copacabana beach and caused the death of Roberto Vieira de Almeida, who was hospitalized for more than 10 months being treated for his injuries.

In 2021, during the final of Libertadores in Montevideo, a Peñarol fan was arrested for shooting at two Flamengo fans, injuring one of them.

This Monday (16), the Military Police met with members of the Uruguayan Consulate and the board of directors do Peñarol to discuss the security scheme. The Federal Highway Police will be responsible for escorting Uruguayan fans upon arrival in the state.

Barra Amsterdam, the main organizer of Peñarol, issued a statement on social media for fans who will go to the game against Flamengo. The main warning is for everyone to stay together and be aware of where they are going, emphasizing that tourism and tours should be left for another time.

“Ahead of Thursday's game, we ask everyone to fans who attend the meeting point stipulated by the club. This is for your safety, going into the field alone is very risky. It is important that you know that this is a Libertadores game. It's not going on vacation to the beach. Tourism and tours are for other times. The bar, as it has always done, will be in charge of looking after all the fans. The way they can help us is by all being together. Take the necessary precautions. Be smart and know where you are going”, wrote the club.