A British man "has been caught in Rio de Janeiro allegedly selling fake World Cup tickets" for as much as £1,350 ($2,300). The 43-year-old, who has not been named, "is suspected of working alongside an American to distribute passes for VIP treatment at matches." Police in Brazil said that the stash of 59 counterfeit tickets "meant for unsuspecting tourists is the largest they have found yet" (London DAILY MAIL, 6/18). ... Ten England fans were hospitalized ahead of the match against Urugauay "after being attacked by a hooded gang of Brazilian thugs as they headed into the fanfest in Sao Paulo." Initial reports said that the England supporters "were attacked by Brazilian hooligans armed with knives and some kind of explosive device, most probably a firework or a flare, as well as knuckledusters, as they prepared to watch the match at the Vale do Anhangabau arena, where a giant screen had been put up for fans who lacked tickets." There "was no word on the condition of the injured England fans." Authorities said that 14 people had been arrested in connection with the incident. The attackers reportedly "attacked shops and a bus as they tried to escape from the police" (LONDON TIMES, 6/19).
