Rio de Janeiro, Jun 19 (IANS): Six persons were taken to hospital after a brawl erupted between rival football fans before the start of the Brazilian Serie A match between Coritiba and Corinthians in the southern city of Curitiba.

At least one of the fans, Jonathan Jose Gomes da Silva, 29, was in a serious condition at the Trabalhador hospital, according to police spokesman Clovis Galvao, reports Xinhua news agency.

The violence delayed the start of Sunday's match after Corinthians players initially refused to leave their dressing room over safety fears.

"Unfortunately, violence and cowardice have again become the major themes of a Sunday matchday," Corinthians said on their official Twitter account.

Coritba also condemned the actions of fans. "Off the pitch it has been a very sad day for all lovers of football," the club said in a statement. "We hope that those responsible will be punished."

The match at Couto Pereira Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw.