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Ex-Brazil midfielder Diego 'worried' by fan violence

Xinhua, February 14, 2017 Adjust font size:

Flamengo's former Brazil international midfielder Diego has bemoaned the fan violence that left one person dead and seven others injured in Rio de Janeiro.

Diego Silva dos Santos, 28, was shot dead outside Rio's Olympic stadium on Sunday as fans clashed before the local derby between Flamengo and Botafogo.

At least two of the injured fans were in a serious condition, according to media reports on Monday.

"We are saddened because it has nothing to do with football," Diego told SporTV. "We are worried about the people who were involved and also about our families, who are constantly at games.

"More respect needs to be shown," said Diego, whose club career has included spells with Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid. "Rivalries have their limits. Every time I see scenes (of the violence) I feel pain in my heart because football has nothing to do with this."

The violence came amid reports that some sections of Rio's police had taken strike action to demand better pay and conditions. Police chiefs and state government officials denied the claims. Endit