Brazil coach dismisses training clash as ‘fake news’

Brazil head coach Tite shot down suggestions of a rift in the Brazil camp, branding reports that forwards Richarlison and Vinicius Junior had clashed in training on Saturday as "fake news".

The pair were filmed being separated by team-mates -- a clip that Richarlison later posted on his Instagram page -- but it was not clear whether the incident was serious or a joke.

"There is a lot of fake news in the world, and people reporting that the players were fighting are telling lies," Tite said after Brazil came out victorious in a 1-0 friendly win against Japan in Tokyo on Monday.

Brazil's head coach Tite (3rd L) gathers with his players during a training session at the National Stadium in Tokyo on June 5, 2022, ahead of their friendly football match against Japan on June 6. Photo: AFP

Richarlison came off the bench to win Brazil's penalty when Japan midfielder Wataru Endo clattered into him from behind before Neymar converted from the spot in the 77th minute.