Fans protest team's possible relegation in Brazil

Fans protest team's possible relegation in Brazil

Published Dec. 14, 2013 5:49 p.m. ET

Fans of Brazilian club Portuguesa closed a major avenue in Sao Paulo to protest against the team's possible relegation in the Brazilian league because of an off-the-field problem.

Brazil's sports tribunal will rule on Monday whether Portuguesa should be docked four points for using a suspended player in the final round last Sunday. The club says it didn't know the player was suspended, alleging a communication problem with its own lawyer.

If Portuguesa loses the points, traditional Rio de Janeiro club Fluminense, which was relegated on the field, will stay in the top flight. Fluminense was the Brazilian champion last year and in 2010.

Brazilian media said about 300 fans showed up for the protest, including supporters of other teams. They chanted and carried banners calling for ''justice'' in Brazilian football.

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