It is official. Jogo Bonito – and every other cliché tied to Brazil and its futebol – is dead.

Who would have thought that of all countries, it would be the people of Brazil who would take to the streets of their cities to tell their government and FIFA – oh, FIFA – that they can take their World Cup and fuck off perhaps go away.

How do police deal with a polka dot bag in Rio? Pepper spray.  Credit: AP Photo via TheAtlantic.Com

Why is this so? First watch this video:

Here’s another video, this time of police in Rio de Janeiro firing live bullets, from what appear to be at least one semi-automatic rifle, at protestors.

The Atlantic published a series of photos that demonstrate the seriousness of the protests.

Not convinced by the scale of the protests? Here’s a video, filmed from a drone and helicopter, of a demonstration in Sao Paulo.

Brazilians are not only protesting in their own country. Demonstrations have spread to London although apparently British media is yet to pick up the story.

Journalist Philippe Auclair tweets about London protests.

While players on Brazil’s national team – playing in the Confederations Cup – expressed solidarity with the protestors, FIFA President Sepp Blatter was reported to have told Brazilian radio:

“Brazil is a country that prides itself on freedom. I can understand that the people are unhappy but they should not use football to make their demands heard.”

“Brazil asked us to host the World Cup. We didn’t impose the World Cup on Brazil. It’s obvious that we had to build stadiums. But they aren’t the only thing needed for a World Cup. There are also roads, hotels, airports, and many things that remain as a legacy.”

For those fans of the mechanics of World Cups and how hosting rights are awarded, Brazil was the only country that “bid” for the 2014 World Cup.

Obrigado.