For all that they say about detesting corruption in public life, most ordinary Brazilians do not see it as something with a direct impact on their own lives. But one scandal has caused personal offence to millions.

“I was knocked sideways,” says Catarina Pedroso, an 18-year-old psychology student and dedicated follower of Palmeiras, one of the big São Paulo football clubs. “At matches everyone shouts out juiz ladrão [“referee, you're a thief”] but you don't expect it actually to be true.”