[goldenHuddlestone]

Police came onto the pitch and scuffled with the players and coach of America-Natal after a controversial sending-off in their Brazilian championship match at Sport Recife on Sunday.

Television pictures showed America coach Lori Sandri being escorted off the field by several heavily armed riot policemen while the goalkeeper Rene was in an angry confrontation with officials.

Brazilian media said that Sandri was handcuffed at one stage as he was led away.

The match turned ugly in the 34th minute when America midfielder Souza was sent off for elbowing.

Sandri, furious at the decision, made angry gestures to the referee and was also dismissed.

He then marched onto the pitch, was surrounded by police and was heard to shout "Get your hands off me" as he was led to the tunnel.

The incident outraged the America players and Rene was seen to lash out at the shield of one policeman.

America, leading 2-1 at the time with two goals from Luciano Dias, had to settle for a 2-2 draw as Carlinhos Bala equalised in the second half for Sport. Durval scored the home team's other goal.