Ex-Middlesbrough and Barcelona ace Fabio Rochemback arrested over illegal cock fighting ring
Reports claim that police seized 89 roosters, £24,000 in cash and a shotgun during an early raid in Brazil
FORMER Middlesbrough and Barcelona star Fabio Rochemback has been arrested in Brazil on suspicion of being involved in a cock fighting ring.
Police reportedly seized 89 roosters, £24,000 in cash, a shotgun and drugs during an early morning raid.
Reports in Brazil claim the 35-year-old was caught red handed on a farm in the city of Rio Grande do Sul during the middle of an event.
147 people were at the scene and 57 were arrested and charged with environmental crime - including Rochemback.
The penalty in Brazil includes imprisonment for three months to one year and a hefty fine.
Reported in Esporte, an officer said: "It was a big interstate event with people from Santa Catarina and Parana.
"All were caught in the act, some betting, some just watching."
Amazingly it is not the first time Rochemback has been caught after police found several fighting cocks on a farm in 2011.
He played for Barcelona in 2001 before leaving for the Premier League with Middlesbrough four years later.
During his time on Teeside he played in the UEFA Cup final but was on the losing side as Sevilla ran out 4-0 winners.
