Sao Paulo, Aug 22 (IANS): A man died from injuries suffered during clashes between rival football fans in Brazil.

Palmeiras fan Gilberto Torres Pereira died in intensive care after being struck on the head with an iron bar by a Corinthians supporter Saturday, police said Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Police said they had requested the arrest of a city councilor, Raimundo Faustino, accused of being involved in the clashes.

Globo news portal quatoed Faustino as saying he was forced to defend himself from attackers but denied using a bar.

The incident occurred near a train station in Sao Paulo when rival fans crossed paths before Palmeiras' 1-2 defeat to Sao Paulo in Brazil's Serie A championship.

This is the latest in a series of violent episodes to hit Brazilian football.

In February, three fans were shot outside the Arena das Dunas stadium in the northeastern city of Natal - the second football-related shooting at the venue in less than six months.

And in December dozens were injured after a riot during the Brazilian top-flight match between Atletico Paranaense and Vasco da Gama in the southern city of Joinville.