Armed Brazilian club officials threaten players

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Two armed officials of Brazilian second division club Portuguesa accompanied by bodyguards threatened the players after a defeat this week, sparking coach Rene Simoes' resignation on Wednesday.

Simoes said that on Tuesday night, after the Sao Paulo-based team lost 2-1 to Vila Nova, the men burst into the changing room with guns in their belts and slammed the players for allowing the team to drop six points behind the promotion places.

"They were four armed men and one appeared to be the boss," Simoes told reporters.

Portuguesa, 1996 Brazilian championship runners-up who were relegated last year, named the leader of the four as Antonio Jose Vaz Pinto, a member of the club's executive council, and said the bodyguards were off-duty police officers.

"Catching everyone by surprise...Mr Antonio Jose Vaz Pinto insulted the players and technical staff, showing a complete lack of control," said a statement on the club's website (www.portuguesa.com.br). It added that Vaz Pinto would be severely dealt with.

Simoes is a former coach of Jamaica and the Brazil women's team.