Football fans fought a savage battle on the terraces on Sunday.

Violent pictures were broadcast live into people’s homes on Sunday afternoon during the championship match between Atletico Paranaense and relegation-threatened Vasco da Gama.

At one point, a group of around 20 Paranaense fans mercilessly kicking a man who was stricken on the ground.

A Paranaense fan was attacked in a similar fashion by Vasco supporters, with one stamping on his neck and then head even though he appeared to be already unconscious. The trouble occurred even though the stadium was half-empty.

There were no police inside the stadium at kick off because a private security company was being used. Pictures showed that rival fans were not segregated.

Riot police entered the ground and fired tear gas to bring the situation under control. A military helicopter landed on the pitch and ferried one fan to hospital.

With just months until Brazil hosts the football World Cup, this incident raises serious questions about the country’s ability to keep fans safe.

The match ended in a resounding 5-1 win for Paranaense.