Santos vs Corinthians abandoned after home fans throw ROCKETS on pitch and try to stop team reaching dressing room

A BRAZILIAN top-flight game had to be abandoned after fans threw ROCKETS on the pitch.

That’s before trying to stop players from reaching the dressing room.

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Santos vs Corinthians is one of the hottest derbies in the Campeonato calendar.

The local rivals have little love for each other.

And Santos fans were in an unforgiving move as visiting Corinthians raced into a 2-0 lead in last night’s football match.

Yuri Alberto put the away side ahead before Joao Lucas scored an own-goal in the opening half hour.

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Santos supporters were not best pleased at being made to look second-best in their own home.

And tempers literally flared as the game neared its end.

Santos fans unleashed a barrage of rockets, fireworks and flares at the Corinthians goal, forcing keeper Cassio and teammates to flee.

At the same time, they chanted at their own players: “Team without shame.”

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As smoke covered the pitch, riot police moved to the sides to ensure nobody entered the pitch.

Beleaguered officials looked on as Santos supporters continued to cause havoc, while players from both sides threatened to walk off in protest.

And several moments later, the decision was made to abandon the game in the 88^th minute.

The referee waved his arms in the air as the teams prepared to exit the field.

But it was Santos stars who came under fire from their own fans despite being ringed by security.

As they headed towards the tunnel, another flare came flying down from the stands, scattering the players.

Riot police were then forced to create a passage for the Santos players, who eventually found the courage to sprint down into the tunnel and off the field.

At the same time, police entered the stands to move fans back and placate the situation.

A decision has since been made by Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice for Santos to play their next game behind closed doors.

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It means supporters will not be welcome for Sunday’s game against another fierce rival, Flamengo.

They are currently third in the Campeonato table, six points ahead of 13^th place Santos and seven in front of 15^th place Corinthians.

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