Brazil Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo on Monday said he does not believe "there will be protests during the 2014 World Cup," according to LA AFICION. Rebelo assured that "the majority of stadium construction will be completed on time, although a minority will be ready in the months to come." Regarding threats from criminal group First Capital Command (PCC), Rebelo said, "The security system should consider all possible threats and risks. Our forces are trained and they will be prepared." Rebelo said he expects that "there will not be violent or non-violent protests, but there will instead be support for the event." Rebelo: "It will be a moment for fraternizing, and the people who have to protest will not do so during such a time" (LA AFICION, 10/28).
FOOTBALL FANS SHOT: In London, Simon Osborn reported four football fans in Brazil "have been shot in the latest attack on supporters ahead of the 2014 World Cup." The incident happened before a "second division match in Natal, north-eastern Brazil, on Saturday." Police claimed two fans were "hit in their feet and two in their legs during a clash between America and Ceara." Two of the fans remained hospitalized, "but their lives are not thought to be at risk." The teams’ supporters also "confronted each other inside the stadium and police had to intervene with pepper spray and tear gas" (METRO, 10/27).
