Attack happened when bus with fans of the Minas Gerais team passed along the Fernão Dias highway

The São Paulo Civil Police identified part of the suspects who participated in the ambush of Cruzeiro fans on the morning of last Sunday, 27th, informed the Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP). The attack took place at kilometer 65 of the Fernão Dias highway, in Mairiporã, allegedly commanded by members of Palmeiras’ main organized fan base, Mancha AlviVerde, who denies having any involvement in the action. One man died from burns and 17 other people were injured. Two remain hospitalized, one of which is in serious condition.

The police investigation is coordinated by the Sports Intolerance Repression Police Station (Drade). Agents continue to identify more people involved. Drade has a database of fans linked to organized events and intends to cross-reference this information. The Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco), from the Public Ministry of São Paulo, is also involved in the investigation.

The Estadão report asked the SSP-SP whether the suspects already identified correspond to people involved in previous cases, but was not answered.

The ambush ended with the death of José Victor Miranda, 30 years old. He was part of a group of the Blue Mafia, organized by Cruzeiro, from Sete Lagoas (MG). Miranda was admitted to Hospital Anjo Gabriel, in Mairiporã, in a very serious condition due to burn injuries and did not survive. According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), which responded to the incident on the day, one of the Cruzeirenses’ buses was set on fire.

Two other fans remain hospitalized. One of them, at Hospital Anjo Gabriel. He is stable and awaiting surgery already scheduled for this week at Santa Casa de São Paulo. Until the beginning of this Tuesday afternoon, the other was at the Franco da Rocha State Hospital, in serious condition.

In total, 17 Cruzeiro residents were admitted to Anjo Gabriel Hospital after the ambush. In addition to José Victor Miranda, seven were also hospitalized or transferred to other locations. The majority have already been discharged. Another nine were treated and released on Sunday

The case is understood as a “charge” from the Palmeiras residents for an action by Cruzeiro fans against members of Mancha AlviVerde in 2022, also in Fernão Dias. At the time, Jorge Luís Sampaio Santos, the president of the Palmeiras organization, had his membership card, documents and credit cards snatched from his rivals during the confrontation, in addition to being beaten and having videos exposed on social media. The confusion ended with four fans injured by gunfire.

The Blue Mafia demonstrated on Sunday afternoon. “Lose with honor, but don’t win through cowardice. The cry of your rival’s mother brings joy to yours,” wrote the uniformed woman. Mancha AlviVerde denies involvement in the ambush and says it is being unfairly accused. “With more than 45,000 members, our fans cannot be held responsible for isolated actions of around 50 fans, who disrespect the principles of respect and peace that we promote and defend”, says an excerpt from the released note.

Cruzeiro and Palmeiras also regretted what happened. The clubs did not face each other at the weekend. The Minas Gerais team played on Saturday, against Athletico-PR, in Curitiba. Palmeiras hosted Fortaleza, in São Paulo.