Every football fan has been frustrated by a restricted view – but a Brazilian club took it to a whole new level.
Supporters attending the top of the table clash between Palmeiras and Botafogo – where former Manchester United star Rafael currently plays – in Brazilian Serie A on November 26 found themselves forced to watch a game on a big screen attached to the back of a stage, with the home club’s Allianz Parque set up to host a concert the following day. That meant that fans were blocked from watching the action in real time – despite it happening on a pitch just yards away from them.
Palmeiras’ ground hosts a Roberto Carlos concert on November 27 – that’s the Brazilian singer-songwriter, not to be confused with the country’s legendary full-back of the same name idolised by Scotland captain Andy Robertson. With many of the 30,0000 fans in attendance left in disbelief when they saw that a whole section behind one of the goals had been obscured by a stage set up for a concert.
However thousands still took their seats in sections behind the goal to cheer on their side, watching the game on a giant TV mounted on the back of the stage, with weird photos from the ground showing the unique view spectators had. Palmeiras even offered the fans free entry to make up for the fact they’d have to watch the game on a big screen rather than being able to see every kick in person.
Home supporters might’ve wished that they hadn’t bothered taking the club up on their offer however, as their side lost 3-1 and finished the game with 10 men – being knocked off the top of the table in the process. Gregore gave Botafogo a half-time lead, with Palmeiras reduced to 10 men after 70 minutes as Marcos Rocha was sent-off. Further strikes from Jefferson Savarino and Adryelson extended Botafogo’s advantage, before Richard Rios’ injury time consolation.
If there was one bright spot for the home fans however, two of the visitors’ goals came when they were shooting towards the end with the stage set up.