Protesters clash with police during Confederations Cup final in Brazil

Riot police used tear gas as demonstrators threw missiles during clashes outside the Brazilian football stadium where the host nation faced Spain in the Confederations Cup final.

While football fans inside the newly refurbished Maracana stadium cheered on their teams, outside the venue demonstrators were hurling molotov cocktails.

Earlier a march by protesters against the billions being spent on sporting events while Brazil’s schools and hospitals need investment, passed off peacefully.

The later violence erupted just as the football match kicked off.

Over the last three weeks a wave of protests against alleged miss use of funds and corruption has rocked Brazil. It was initially sparked by transport fare rises but has since encompassed other issues including the costs of staging next year’s World Cup.

Credits: euronews