It's been just short of five months since 71 of the 77 people onboard a South American flight carrying the players of Brazilian club Chapecoense were killed in a plane crash.

The disaster captured the attention of football fans around the world and shocked many far and wide, as the air disaster wiped out all but three of the Brazilian outfit's squad.

'Human error' was cited as the cause of the disaster, with a lack of fuel adequate for the flight distance being the cause of the crash just outside the city of Medellin, in Colombia - where the club were set to face Atletico Nacional.

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It was meant to be a historic moment in Chapecoense's history, and their chance to lift the Copa Sudamericana for the first time - with the Brazilian outfit travelling to face their Colombian opponents in the first leg of a two-legged final.

The club were later honoured with the title, at Nacional's request, but unfortunately, the side from south Brazil were unable to win the title in the manner they had hoped and have since had to reassemble their team, mainly consisting of loan players.

And their new-look team began life following the disaster with a 2-2 draw in a friendly against Palmeiras at the back end of January, in which their three surviving players watched on from the stands.

However, thankfully, the surviving victims of the crash were not in attendance to witness the appalling scenes during Chapecoense's match at Criciuma on Sunday.

Chapecoense went into their Santa Catarina State Championship fixture with their second stage title already assured, while the hosts are currently threatened by relegation.

Criciuma fans' vile response

But when Chapecoense's supporters mocked their current predicament, a small number of the home fans' produced a more than distasteful response.

As per Goal, a small section of Criciuma supporters chanted: "Ooh ooh ooh, fill up the plane's fuel tank," in retaliation to Chapecoense - although, fortunately, a number of fellow home fans took exception to the chant and booed in response.

And Chapecoense's president was quick to criticise the home supporters' vile remarks and has promised to take action against the heartless remarks.

President slams 'imbeciles'

"They are a bunch of imbeciles, the rivalry exists and we have to let it thrive on the field, not off it," said Chapecoense president Plinio de Nes.

"It is very regrettable and distasteful, in every sense. Half a dozen people who have no sense of brotherhood or respect for life start with these absurd songs.

"We are going to look at the videos and then we will release a statement of condemnation, without a doubt. This situation is beyond the pale. The Criciuma directors have to punish this by not allowing these elements in their stadium anymore."