Things have gone from bad to worse in the world of Argentine soccer. Less than a month after a high-profile game was marred by in-stadium violence, idiots spoiled another contest in the soccer-mad country.
A first division game between visiting Belgrano and Independiente was suspended after fans pelted Belgrano players with firecrackers and other explosives, according to The Associated Press.
“The devices seemed to be thrown from the Independiente fan section in a match that was played at Independiente’s stadium in Buenos Aires,” the report said.
Referee Saul Laverni said it was ”impossible to continue” without the threat of injuries. No injuries were immediately reported.
Belgrano goalkeeper was minding his own business in the goal mouth when an explosive landed a few feet away from him. He didn’t know it was there until it exploded and sent him tumbling to the ground.
Medical staff was tending to him when Independiente fans threw more explosives in their direction. They all ran toward the center circle for their safety.
Last month, the first River Plate-Boca Juniors derby in almost 18 months was spoiled by Boca fans attacking stewards in the stands at River’s Estadio Monunental. This is yet another case of authorities being unable to control some fans at soccer games.
It goes without saying that this is not a soccer problem but a social one that plays itself out in packed stadiums.
“Almost every football match in Argentina is marred by some violence, which the clubs, police and the Argentine Football Association say they are powerless to stop,” The AP report added. “The AFA says is it simply an outgrowth of street violence in the South American country.”
Watch the ugly scenes in the video below.
Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O’Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer, NESN Soccer’s Facebook page or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
Photo via Twitter/@grassforgiants
