Fan’s death, clashes force suspension of Argentine League match

The Liga Professional 2022 match between Gimnasia La Plata and Boca Juniors was suspended after a fan’s death caused clashes between supporters and the police outside the Juan Carmelo Zerillo Stadium, in La Plata, Argentina.

The fan reportedly died from inhaling tear gas fired by police outside the venue.

The teargas drifted into the stadium – making it difficult for players and spectators to breathe.

The circumstances surrounding the supporter’s death were unclear but Sergio Berni, security minister for Buenos Aires province, told local television that the fan died of a heart problem as he was leaving the Juan Carmelo Zerillo Stadium in La Plata.

The incident comes five days after a stampede at a soccer game in Indonesia killed at least 131 people when fans tried to flee a riot and tear gas fired by police in one of the world’s worst sporting disasters.

Gimnasia fans were trying to force their way into the stadium which was already full, and police used rubber bullets and tear gas to force them back

Chaos

Players were seen covering their faces, while supporters entered the field as they tried to escape the tear gas.

The Argentine top-flight match was stopped after nine minutes.

Berni said his ministry would open an investigation into the incident, adding that too many tickets might have been sold, but home team Gimnasia said that was not the case and they had complied with security protocols.

“We will demand an investigation into what happened until those responsible for this tragic day are known,” the club said in a statement.

Editor: Aniakor Obinna

Source: Reuters