New Delhi: Brazilians are known to be passionate about football and are known to showcase that passion in the stadium. However, in an unusual show of passion during the intense Sao Paulo derby in Brazil’s Serie A, a pig’s head was thrown onto the pitch during Corinthians’ 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Palmeiras. The incident occurred as Palmeiras prepared to take a corner in the first half, startling players and fans alike.
Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto, spotting the object, ran from the penalty area to remove it, initially mistaking it for something like a cushion, but learnt it the hard way that is wasn’t just that. Alberto would go on to score for Corinthians, marking the game not only with an impressive goal but also a strange and unforgettable moment, that will forever be etched in the memories of Brazilian club football.
“I almost broke my foot,” Alberto told O Globo’s SporTV after the match. “I thought it was a cushion. I went to take it off with my foot, I kind of kicked it. It was a pig’s head—I almost hurt my foot.” The pig head incident has drawn widespread attention, with many drawing comparisons to an infamous match in 2002 when Barcelona fans threw a pig’s head at Luis Figo after his controversial move to rivals Real Madrid.
Police Investigation into the incident launched
A real pig’s head was thrown on the pitch in the Corinthians vs Palmeiras game…
Madness. pic.twitter.com/HOCN2neDFK
— george (@StokeyyG2) November 4, 2024
Following the incident, Globo and ESPN Brazil reported that police have launched an investigation, and two fans were briefly detained before being released. The investigation aims to determine whether those involved violated any public order or safety laws. It’s not the first time that Brazilian football derbies have seen fans push the boundaries in displays of loyalty and rivalry, though this event certainly took the intensity to a new level.
The match, however, proceeded without further interruptions, with Corinthians taking home the victory in the highly competitive derby. The pig head incident added a surreal moment to an already intense rivalry, reminding fans of the lengths some supporters will go to display their loyalty and passion.
The fierce rivalry between Palmeiras and Corinthians added weight to the bizarre act, as the pig has been a symbol of Palmeiras since 1986. The association goes back to a match against Santos when Palmeiras fans heard rivals mocking them with chants of “pig.” Instead of taking offense, the Palmeiras supporters embraced the term and responded with their own chant: “And go for it, Pig! Ole Ole Ole!” The pig soon became their official mascot, with player Jorginho Putinatti even posing with a pig in a sports magazine to celebrate the unique symbol of pride.
