In a tragic turn of events, a football fan has been confirmed dead after he was effectively burnt alive by rival supporters.
Disaster unfolded in the Brazilian top flight this past weekend when things quickly descended into chaos after Cruzeiro suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at the hands of Club Athletico Paranaense on Saturday.
Read: 'There are problems between Real Madrid UEFA'
Travelling Cruzeiro fans were reportedly making their way back home when their bus was attacked with fireworks.
Flames are said to have erupted as a result, claiming the life of a 30-year-old man identified as Jose Victor Santos Miranda, Brazilian police said, according to the Mirror.
A further 12 people were reportedly left seriously injured, with others thought to have sustained gunshot wounds too.
Brazilian media suggests that the attack was carried out by the Mancha Alviverde group, a collective of supporters from Cruzeiro's rivals, Palmeiras.
The Mancha Alviverde group was reportedly returning from a game against Fortaleza in Sao Paulo when they encountered Cruzeiro's ultras fanbase, known as Mafia Azul, after their defeat to Paranaense.
It was at this point that things came to a head, as the bus transporting Cruzeiro's fans was set alight with passengers in it.
In response to the tragic event, Cruzeiro released a statement saying: "Cruzeiro deeply regrets another episode of violence among supporters. This time, during early morning hours on Fernao Dias Highway, which resulted in a Cruzeiro fan's death and several injuries.
"There is no room for violence in football, a sport that unites passions and crowds. We need to put an end to these criminal acts."
La Torcida de Cruzeiro regresaba de Curitiba post partido contra Athletico Paranaense en el momento que fue emboscada, el acontecimiento se dió en la autopista Fernão Dias, en la altura de Mairiporã.
— ???? BARRAS DEL MUNDO ??? (@Barras_LATAM) October 27, 2024
Además del fallecido, hay otros 2 baleados y 5 con fracturas en la cabeza. pic.twitter.com/cg92Y4vH26
Palmeiras also issued a statement on the matter, which read: "Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras repudiates scenes of violence staged on Fernao Dias Highway this Sunday morning.
"Football cannot serve as a backdrop for fights and deaths. May facts be duly investigated by competent authorities and criminals punished rigorously."
Read: Messi sends message to teammate who beat Williams to Yashin Trophy