Police ask 'pitch invader' to leave Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, July 4 (IANS/EFE) The Brazilian police have given three days' notice to an Italian fan who stormed Arena Fonte Nova's pitch during the last-16 game between Belgium and the US Tuesday, to leave the country, or else face arrest for deportation.

Mario Ferri, 27, stormed onto the pitch in the 15th minute, after he stood up off a wheelchair he used to deceive people around him, reports EFE.

Ferri was wearing a shirt with the text "Save Favelas Children" on it. Favelas is the Brazilian term for urban, often impoverished neighbourhoods and communities.

The Brazilian police received an Interpol report which included Ferri's police record. He has stormed onto pitches in England and Italy and was banned by both countries from entering stadiums.

Brazil's Interpol chief Luis Navajas said that Ferri was arrested with charges of storming onto the pitch and entering on a wheelchair. He was later released after paying a fine, and has been told to leave the country within three days or else he would be deported.

--IANS/EFE

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