Covid-19: football clubs' ultras unite against Bolsonaro in Brazil

It is a rare image, not to say unprecedented in Brazil. While the country seems totally overwhelmed by the Covid-19 epidemic, demonstrations against the management of the health crisis are increasing. And since the end of May, it has even allowed the temporary reconciliation of the "torcidas" of the emblematic clubs of the country. Groups of ultra supporters who, after tearing each other apart for decades, have decided to join forces this time.

Torcidas de Corinthians, Palmeiras, Fluminense, Flamengo, Cruzeiro, Inter, Santos, Galo, Bahia, Sport, entre outras, unidos pela DEMOCRACIA e contra o FACISMO Verde Amarelo. # AntifasPelaDemocracia # Somos70porcento # ForaBolsonaroGenocidaemtocracia.torocco.

On Sunday May 31, in São Paulo, ultra groups of the Corinthians called to demonstrate for the "defense of democracy". A meeting finally honored by their counterparts from several teams, including Palmeiras, great rival of the Corinthians and favorite club of President Jair Bolsonaro, main target of the rallies. A head of state widely criticized for his management of the Covid-19, which he had in particular qualified as "small flu", at the end of March.

The Paulista parade, which thickened over the minutes, saw its advance thwarted by the police, who, according to local media, used rubber bullets and tear gas to contain the overflows. Pro-Bolsonaro activists, whose favorite was also organizing a crowd bath in Brasilia, also opposed the supporters.

Bolsonaro, privileged target of ultras

On the sidelines of this event, other similar groups have also formed in Rio de Janeiro, where the ultras of Flamengo have beaten the pavement, while those of Atlético Mineiro, Cruzeiro and America FC have gathered in Belo Horizonte.

This is not the first time that groups of supporters have made common cause, but the phenomenon remains very rare in Brazil, even if the presence of Jair Bolsonaro in the political landscape seems likely to encourage it. In October 2018, ultras from Flamengo, Corinthians and Inter were also displayed together, to denounce the candidacy of the far-right candidate.

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