Nearly 50 fans of the Corinthians soccer club stood outside the team's headquarters this monday in Sao Paulo to protest the teams performance this year.

 

Their disappointment was directed toward the team's head coach, Nelsinho Baptista and the players who were lowered to the second division of the Brasileiro tournament. The club's president, Andres Sanchez was also a target of the criticisms.

 

The players who were specific targets of slurs were the fullbacks Zelao and Betao, the midfielders Iran and Gustavo Nery, and Vampeta, the team's forward. The fans demanded that the players be traded or fired from the team. Slurs included claims that Zelao is an alcoholic, that Vampeta should go home, and that the captain of the team, Betao is a dog.

 

The only player who was actually cheered from the team was the goalkeeper, Felipe. He was praised as the only true Corinthian.

 

There were no acts of violence registered at the event. The security at Sao Jorge Park, the team's headquarters, was beefed up to ensure the safety of the club and the team's president who participated in a press interview to announce the acquisition of two new players: Lima and Rafinha.

 

The team's president, Andres Sanchez, said that "the fans have never been bad toward Corinthians. To the contrary. They have mishaps, which are normal, but it is sad to have to see so much security here in the club. Unfortunately, we have to protect the club. I am just as hurt as they are. I just ask that they don't enter into violence and start to break things," stated the president.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2007)