South America does not mess around when it comes to soccer. In fact, some fans will even go as far as sending threats to opposing players when a big match is coming up. Sadly, violence is slowly consuming the sport in South America, and has even taken the life of Franco Nieto, 33, when he was struck in the head by fans after a match between two Argentine clubs in December. “A report from the football reform group, Salvemos del Futbol, found that an average of five people died each year from fan related violence in Argentina between 2000 and 2009”. How much is too much?
Argentina based club Boca Juniors are the most recent club to suffer punishments from irrational violent fans during their match in the 2015 Copa Libertadores against River Plate. While at Boca’s home stadium, a group of supporters sprayed River Plate players with an irritant spray during the last match of the final group of 16. Four players from the Buenos Aires side have been sent to hospital because of injuries they suffered from the spray, but are expected to make a full recovery once treated.
River Plate playes was away the irritant spray from their eyes during the round of 16.
“I can’t see, I can’t see. I am burning. This is not a war!” quoted from River Plate defender Funes Mori shortly after the attack.
The punishment for Boca keeps piling up, and their chances of qualifying for a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup are becoming slimmer and slimmer. From the time of the spraying: the match was called off by officials, Boca Juniors have been ejected from the 2015 Copa Libertadores, a fine of $200,000 has been assessed to the club, and finally, a four game stadium ban at home and away is in place that will not allow any fans entrance.
The Copa Libertadores is South America’s biggest tournament, comparable to the Champions League in Europe. Naturally, Boca Juniors will appeal their dismissal from the competition as it was not an attack sanctioned by the club itself, but with the amount of damage caused, it will be hard to see the club continue their campaign after they appeal. The rivalry between the two Argentinian sides is the biggest in the country, but when it goes beyond the pitch proper actions must be made.
