Brazilian coach faces court after brawl

FORMER Brazil coach Emerson Leao and three of his Goias players were taken to a police station for interrogation after a confrontation with reporters in a Brazilian league match.

Leao and the players were not arrested, but authorities said they will face a criminal process for their role in the brawl after Goias' 2-2 draw with Vitoria on Wednesday in Salvador.

Television images showed Leao arguing with a radio reporter and then shoving him out of the way. Striker Rafael Moura was later seen throwing a punch at the reporter, sending him to the ground.

Other players and reporters got involved as Vitoria fans cheered loudly from the stands, and police had to intervene quickly to keep the altercation from escalating. Goias team directors and security guards also were involded in the melee.

The altercation apparently began because Leao was upset with the refereeing and didn't want to be interviewed after the match.

Goias were leading 2-0 before Vitoria came back and equalised near the end.

Leao was heard complaining that a reporter was "putting the microphone to my mouth." He then raised his finger near the reporter's face before pushing him away.

Some players then went after the journalist, throwing punches and trying to kick him.