Protestors target Confederation Cup final in Rio

More than 5,000 anti-government protesters marched near the Maracana stadium before a major football match, venting their anger about the billions the Brazilian government is spending on major sporting events rather than public services.

Sharp clashes broke out several hundred yards away from the Rio De Janeiro stadium about 30 minutes before the game began yesterday, as a minor scuffle between police and a few protesters escalated.