Unrelated incidents involving pepper spray in Brazil and Argentina

Two separate incidents involving the use of pepper spray have been reported in South America, though they are unrelated in nature.

In Brazil, during a Campeonato Gaúcho de ascensão football match between Veranópolis and União Frederiquense, a military police officer sprayed pepper spray at a member of the Veranópolis coaching staff during a protest against referee decisions. Players from both teams were also affected and required medical attention. The match eventually resumed, and União Frederiquense advanced to the semifinals. The Brigada Militar is currently reviewing footage to investigate the intervention.

In Paraná, Argentina, a dispute over cinema seats during a screening of ‘Mamá Siniestra’ at the Las Tipas complex escalated into a physical altercation. One woman used pepper spray during the fight, affecting other spectators and forcing an evacuation of the theater. Emergency services treated those affected on-site, and local police arrested two women, aged 51 and 27, in connection with the incident.