Police handcuff fan for protests against Brazilian president

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian police briefly took a fan into custody after he started chanting in protest of President Jair Bolsonaro during a soccer match.

The Sao Paulo government confirmed Monday that Rogerio Lemes was handcuffed and taken to a police station during Sunday night’s 1-1 draw between hosts Corinthians and archrival Palmeiras.

Lemes said he was chanting against Brazil’s right-wing leader, who is a Palmeiras fan, when police arrived. The fan was released shortly later with no criminal charges.

Sao Paulo police said they do not take action motivated by political bias. Police said the officers removed Lemes from the Arena Corinthians for his own safety.

Bolsonaro was elected president in October with a pro-gun and anti-corruption message. The former Army captain has enjoyed support from police officers throughout his political career.