Cruzeiro denounce threats after display of decapitated player mannequins
Feb 24 (Reuters) - Brazilian club Cruzeiro reported threats to police on Monday after decapitated mannequins, dressed in jerseys of three of their players and smeared with red stains resembling blood, were found hanging from a bridge in Belo Horizonte.
The mannequins wearing the numbers three, 10 and 12 shirts of players Marlon, William and Matheus Pereira respectively, appeared two days after Cruzeiro's 4-2 loss on penalties to America MG in the Campeonato Mineiro semi-finals.
Marlon and William missed penalties in the shootout loss, while Pereira, who was sidelined on Saturday, has faced criticism from fans over his desire to play in Europe and a recent failed move to Russia's Zenit St Petersburg.
"Cruzeiro vehemently repudiates and regrets the attacks on the lives of some of its players that took place last night," the club said in a statement. "The club has called in the security forces so that all measures can be taken in this regard.
"Episodes like these only highlight how much we need to evolve as a society.
"The club understands and accepts criticism, but it must remain in the sporting sphere and never be attacks, threats or offences, regardless of the team or club."
Cruzeiro also condemned death threats from fans against America goalkeeper Matheus Mendes, who saved a penalty in Saturday's penalty shootout.
Cruzeiro, who appointed Leonardo Jardim as coach earlier this month, have not won the Campeonato Mineiro since 2019, watching their bitter rivals Atletico Mineiro claim the title five years in a row since then.
The Belo Horizonte-based team, formerly owned by Brazil great Ronaldo, finished ninth in the Brazilian Serie A last season and lost the Copa Sudamericana final to Argentina's Racing Club in November.
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