RIO DE JANEIRO, June 18 -- Six people were taken to hospital after a brawl between rival football fans in Brazil on Sunday.

Police said violence erupted before the start of the Brazilian Serie A match between Coritiba and Corinthians in the southern city of Curitiba.

At least one of the fans, Jonathan Jose Gomes da Silva, 29, was in a serious condition at the Trabalhador hospital, according to police spokesman Clovis Galvao.

The violence delayed the start of the match after Corinthians players initially refused to leave their dressing room due to safety fears.

"Unfortunately violence and cowardice have again become the major themes of a Sunday matchday," Corinthians said on their official Twitter account.

Coritba also condemned the actions of fans. "Off the pitch it has been a very sad day for all lovers of football," the club said in a statement. "We hope that those responsible will be punished."

The match at Couto Pereira stadium ended in a 0-0 draw.

【体坛英语资讯：Six hospitalized in Brazil football violence】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Gwen Stefani feels cool to be Mrs Camerons rock n roll model

★ 体坛英语资讯：Lin wins China derby to book final berth

★ 体坛英语资讯：My left foot ... Yaos agony

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lohans ex bodyguard blames parents for her wild behaviour

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jolie looks to Africa again for a fifth child

★ 体坛资讯：Pele warns Beckham to be prepared for U.S. test

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Pakistani capital

★ 娱乐英语资讯：French model-turned First Ladys nude photo on sale

★ 体坛英语资讯：Jazz, Spurs pull even with wins