Former Brazil defender Andre Santos attacked by fan

Arsenal fans will not have fond memories of Andre Santos, but all will be disappointed to learn of the treatment meted out to the defender in Brazil.

Now playing for Flamengo, the left-back bore the brunt of fan anger after they lost 4-0 to Internacional on Sunday.

Brazilian website Lancenet reported that after the game, “Andre Santos was attacked with punches and kicks by a Flamengo fan.”

The incident has angered his manager Ney Franco, who demanded: “This citizen has to be arrested. I hope the police at the Beira-Rio take appropriate action.”

Flamengo, with Andre Santos, won the Brazilian Cup last season, but this defeat leaves them rock bottom of the Brasileiro in 20th with seven points from 11 games.

Santos played all 90 minutes in the loss, and while his lack of defensive nous was notorious at Arsenal when he played in the Premier League, nobody would seriously condone physically attacking him for this.The 31-year-old left-back was attacked on Sunday as he left the Beira-Rio stadium in the southern city of Porto Alegre, Xinhua quoted Radio Gaucho as saying.

No further details were given and it is not known if Santos was hurt. “This citizen has to be arrested,” Flamengo coach Ney Franco said. “I hope that the police at the stadium are taking the appropriate measures.” The loss left Flamengo last in Brazil’s Serie A standings with seven points from 11 matches.

Santos joined the Rio de Janeiro club from Arsenal last year after a brief loan spell at Gremio.