Angry fans attack Brazilian players

SAO PAULO - Palmeiras goalkeeper Fernando Prass was injured when team fans frustrated by a defeat in the Copa Libertadores confronted players Thursday at an airport in Argentina.

Prass had to be treated for cuts to his head and ear, but no one was seriously hurt in the altercation before the team's return to Brazil. Palmeiras said three fans were detained in Argentina but were later released.

The supporters, wearing jerseys from the team's biggest fan group, faced the players while they were waiting to board their flight back to Sao Paulo after a 1-0 loss to Tigre.

The small group of fans tried to attack the players and security guards had to intervene, according to Brazilian media with the team. Chile playmaker Jorge Valdivia had to hide near the airport's bathroom, surrounded by security guards.

Brazilian media reported that Valdivia had been criticized by fans during the team's warmup at the stadium and allegedly retaliated with obscene gestures. Midfielder Wesley also was targeted by the fans at the airport.

"They threw a cup at Valdivia and it hit me," Prass said through his Twitter account. "I got three stitches in the head and a cut in my ear."

Prass had to stay in Argentina because of the injuries and didn't immediately return with the rest of the squad. A team doctor stayed with him.

The sports daily Lance showed a video in which captain Henrique and reserve goalkeeper Bruno tried to talk with some of the fans to calm them down.

Palmeiras is the fourth most-popular club in Brazil with about 15 million supporters.