Domestic chaos belies Brazil's glossy exterior

RIO DE JANEIRO, Apr 13 (Reuters) Behind the glossy exterior of five world titles and the trickery of Ronaldinho, Brazilian domestic football presents a very different reality.

Financial difficulties, chaotic administration and violence on the field and off mean that most players and coaches jump at the first offer to move abroad, even to less fashionable soccer destinations such as Ukraine, Switzerland, Turkey, China or Qatar.

Far from Brazil's international reputation for artistry and attacking play, Brazilian domestic football is regarded as being among the most violent in the world, where 60-foul matches are common.

Almost every week, and sometimes every day, Brazilian domestic soccer conjures up scenarios almost unimaginable elsewhere.

Recently, Flamengo players fought with riot police at the Maracana stadium on the same day that Cabofriense and Madureira were benefiting from a mysterious bus breakdown.

It was the last matchday in the qualifying stage of the Carioca championship and all games were supposed to kick off at the same time.

TURNING UGLY Yet Madureira's alleged transport problems on their way to Cabo Frio delayed the kick off for more than half an hour.

As a result, they and opponents Cabofriense played the last half hour of the game knowing that a draw would send both teams into the semi-finals.

The outcome, perhaps predictably, was a tame goalless stalemate with barely a shot on goal.

Back at the Maracana, Flamengo and Vasco da Gama's game turned ugly.

One scuffle between the players prompted riot police to run on to the field followed by a legion of reporters, photographers, officials and self-styled security men.

At one stage, there were more than 100 people on the pitch where a professional football match was supposed to be taking place.

When the final whistle went, trouble broke out again. Flamengo players scuffled with police, one officer was seen using pepper spray to quell the trouble. Another grabbed a Flamengo player by the neck and held him down with his truncheon.

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