Brazil probes football violence after fan's death

SAO PAULO - Public prosecutors in Brazil have launched an investigation into a weekend fan riot that killed one person and left another injured.

Santos supporter Marcio Barreto de Toledo, 34, died after being attacked by Sao Paulo fans - some of whom wielded iron bars - following the teams' 0-0 draw in the Sao Paulo state championship on Sunday.

Another man, whose name was not released, remained in hospital on Monday with injuries that were not life threatening, according to newspaper Estado de S.Paulo.

Prosecutor Roberto Senise Lisboa has asked military police for reports of the incident and could lay criminal charges against organized fan groups linked to both clubs.

Santos on Monday repudiated the violence.

"The club believes peace is an essential condition for the development of world football. We send our condolences to the families of the fans involved," the club said in a statement.

The incident is the latest in a series of violent episodes that have cast doubt over Brazil's ability to ensure fan safety during this year's World Cup.

Earlier this month three supporters were shot outside the Arena das Dunas World Cup stadium in the northeastern city of Natal - the second football-related shooting at the venue in less than six months.

In December dozens were injured after a riot during the Brazilian top-flight match between Atletico Paranaense and Vasco da Gama in the southern city of Joinville.