Topless football fans could be banned from Maracanã stadium
Football fans could be banned from going topless at matches in Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã stadium, host of next year's World Cup final.
Football fans could be banned from going topless at matches in Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã stadium, host of next year's World Cup final. Photo: GETTY
By Donna Bowater, Rio de Janeiro
12:26PM BST 12 Jul 2013
Musical instruments and huge flag poles could also be prohibited in a raft of changes designed to cut down on violence and improve security.
The consortium that runs the renovated £300 million Maracanã, which was reopened with a friendly between Brazil and England last month, unveiled the plans on Thursday.
But supporters have criticised the proposals, which would threaten long-standing traditions among football crowds, such as standing to watch the game.
"In the new Maracanã, icon of football in transformation, there is a war launched against the people," said David Butter, sports blogger with Globo Esporte.
"They want to stop supporters watching on foot. They also want to convince supporters that it's not civilised to take off your shirt in a 'spectacle' ('where have you seen people showing their belly at La Scala in Milan, doesn't happen, does it, folks?')
He claimed the changes showed the Maracanã was being opened to colonisation while others complained of the "gentrification" of the ground.
The new rules were announced along with Terms of Conduct Adjustment to change the behaviour of fans, particularly organised supporters' groups.
João Borba, president of the Consortium, told Brazilian newspaper Extra: "We will talk to the clubs to change their habits.
"I'm referring to bamboos [used for massive team flags], to bass drums, watching the matches standing. There is no room for the bamboos."
The Maracanã hosted three games during the recent Confederations Cup, including the final.
It will now be used for the domestic league competition until the World Cup next year. The first game involving Rio's clubs will take place on Sunday, July 21 between Fluminense and Vasca.
