Santa Cruz seeks investigation into security incidents at Estádio Almeidão

Santa Cruz Futebol Clube has filed formal complaints following security incidents during a match against Botafogo-PB at Estádio Almeidão in João Pessoa. The club issued an official statement repudiating the actions of the Paraíba Military Police, alleging that security forces were unprepared to manage the crowd.

The club reported that outside the stadium, police used rubber bullets against Santa Cruz supporters who were reportedly being attacked by rivals. Inside the stadium, the club alleged the indiscriminate use of pepper spray, which affected both fans and club employees working on the pitch.

In a legal representation submitted to the Paraíba Public Ministry, the Military Police Internal Affairs, and the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), Santa Cruz is seeking investigations into the police conduct and the organizational failures of the host club, Botafogo-PB. The club has requested an extraordinary inspection of Estádio Almeidão and its precautionary closure for matches with public attendance until security issues are resolved.