Former Barcelona and Middlesbrough midfielder Fabio Rochemback fined for involvement in cockfighting in Brazil

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Former Middlesbrough midfielder Fabio Rochemback has been fined after being caught up in a raid on a cockfighting ring in Brazil.

The 35-year-old, who spent three seasons at the Riverside Stadium before leaving for Sporting Lisbon in 2008, was found to have participated in the illegal sport which involves gambling on two roosters fighting to the death.

According to Globo Esporte, Rochemback and more than 100 others were punished after a police operation in Rio Grande do Sul saw 89 roosters, a shotgun and around £24,000 in cash seized.  

Former Barcelona midfielder Fabio Rochemback poses with his partner in an Instagram post

The ex-Middlesbrough star, pictured in action in 2006, has been fined for cockfighting

Cockfighting is a blood sport in which roosters are made to fight to the death (stock image) 

It is not the first time the ex-Brazil playmaker has been in trouble with authorities over cockfighting. In 2011, police found fighting roosters at Rochemback's farm in Soledade, Rio Grande do Sul.

Animal fighting is classed as an environmental crime in Brazil, with the Brazilian Public Ministry, the Civil Police and the Military Brigade all involved in the operation.

Promoter of justice, Marcos Eduardo Rauber, told Globo Esporte: 'It was a big interstate event with people from Santa Catarina and Parana. 

'There were people with lots of cash. All were caught red-handed, some betting, others just watching.'

However, Rochemback's father, Juarez, has denied that his son was involved in the event.

'Fabio was with me at the farm in Soledade, but now he's back in Porto Alegre,' Rochemback Snr said.  

Rochemback poses during a fishing trip (left) and stands alongside his Vermilion Chevrolet

Rochemback celebrates with Stuart Parnaby (centre) and George Boateng after a goal for Boro

Rochemback began his career with Internacional in Brazil before joining Barcelona in 2001 when he was just 20 years old.

He spent four years at the Nou Camp - including two seasons on loan at Sporting Lisbon - before linking up with Middlesbrough on a permanent deal in 2005.

After three years in England, Rochemback returned to Sporting before going on to play for Gremio, Chinese side Dalian Yifang and local Brazilian side Passo Fundo.

He retired in 2014 having won seven caps for Brazil.