Fans attack referees after Brazilian league match

Published Nov. 8, 2011 7:44 a.m. ET

foxsports

Brazilian police have detained four fans accused of attacking a referee following the team's controversial loss in the Brazilian league.

Police say the fans offended and physically assaulted the officiating crew after Corinthians' 2-1 loss to last-place America on Sunday. The attack happened as the crew arrived at Sao Paulo's airport on Monday.

Linesman Altemir Hausmann said he was kicked in the leg and punched in the arm by fans wearing Corinthians jerseys. Some of them were on the same flight as the referees but didn't recognize them until later.

Police identified the men with images from the airport's security cameras.

Corinthians, still the league leader despite the loss, complained of a penalty called against the team on Sunday.