Boca-River tie called off after players attacked
The Libertadores Cup derby between Boca Juniors and River Plate was called off at halftime on Thursday after River players were sprayed with an irritant by a fan of their bitter rivals.
The last 16 second leg tie between the arch rivals at Boca's Bombonera stadium was deadlocked at 0-0 when the players were attacked in the tunnel as they came out for the second half.
TV pictures showed Leonardo Ponzio and Leonel Vangioni rubbing their eyes and other players pouring water over their faces to wash away the substance, which had an effect consistent with a lachrymatory agent such as pepper spray.
"The match between #BocaJuniors and #RiverPlatehas been suspended," Conmebol, the South American Football Confederation tweeted. "The second half could not restart."
The match had already been halted for around an hour until officials from Conmebol decided what action to take.
River manager Marcelo Gallardo, whose side were 1-0 up after the first leg, called the incident "deplorable" and "shameful".
Boca president Daniel Angelici said he had spoken to his opposite number and apologised for the incident.
"I can't believe it," Angelici was quoted as saying on the website of Argentine TV station TyC.
"This is all deplorable, it's a huge embarrassment."
Conmebol have not yet said whether the game will be replayed or what action will be taken.
Boca were among the favourites to win the tournament for the seventh time after winning all six of their group games.
The rivalry between the two Buenos Aires sides is one of the most heated in world football. It pits Boca, a traditionally working class side from the port area of the city, against their rivals, known as the "Millionaires".
The Boca Juniors fans are known for their passion and the Bombonera, which was packed to capacity on Thursday night, is a place few visiting player relish.
Fans are located just inches from the touchline and separated from the players by high wire fencing. Police with riot shields often have to shield visitors from abuse and flying objects.
Although the Libertadores Cup is the South American equivalent of the Champions League the standards of safety are a world away from the European competition.
The incident is just the latest in a long series of violent events in South American football.
In 2013, a Bolivian fan was killed by a flare fired by Corinthians fans during a Libertadores match.
Argentina suspends matches after player dies
All Argentine football matches this weekend have been postponed following the death of a fourth division player who smashed his head on a concrete wall surrounding the pitch, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on Thursday.
Emanuel Ortega fell into the barrier after being charged off the ball during the San Martín de Burzaco versus Juventud Unida game in Primera C on May 3.
The 21-year old died on Thursday morning.
AFA expresses its deep sorrow at the loss of the San Martin de Burzaco player and extends its condolences to his family and friends,” the AFA said in a statement.
“The football programme for the weekend is suspended.”
Argentine football has some of the most violent fans in the world and many stadiums still have moats surrounding the pitch and high wire fences to separate fans from the players.
The fence at San Martín de Burzaco’s ground was built into the four foot-high wall that was just a few feet from the touchline.
Thursday night's Boca Juniors-River Plate game in the Libertadores Cup continues as scheduled.
