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Former Barcelona and Middlesbrough midfielder Fabio Rochemback fined for involvement in cockfighting in Brazil

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Fabio Rochemback has been fined after being caught up in a raid on a cockfighting ring in Brazil.

The 35-year-old, who spent three seasons at the Riverside Stadium before leaving for Sporting Lisbon in 2008, was found to have participated in the illegal sport which involves gambling on two roosters fighting to the death.

According to Globo Esporte, Rochemback and more than 100 others were punished after a police operation in Rio Grande do Sul saw 89 roosters, a shotgun and around £24,000 in cash seized.

Former Barcelona midfielder Fabio Rochemback poses with his partner in an Instagram post
Former Barcelona midfielder Fabio Rochemback poses with his partner in an Instagram post
The ex-Middlesbrough star, pictured in action in 2006, has been fined for cockfighting
The ex-Middlesbrough star, pictured in action in 2006, has been fined for cockfighting
Cockfighting is a blood sport in which roosters are made to fight to the death (stock image)u00a0
Cockfighting is a blood sport in which roosters are made to fight to the death (stock image)

It is not the first time the ex-Brazil playmaker has been in trouble with authorities over cockfighting.