By David Gold
August 26 – Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium (pictured) in Argentina will be closed for at least one league match as a punishment for the violent behaviour of fans after this week’s Copa Sudamericana clash with Buenos Aires rivals Independiente.
Independiente fans had already made the news for the wrong reasons earlier this week after the club’s barra brava hooligan gang was accused of attacking the team’s headquarters following a defeat in the Argentine league to fierce rivals Racing Club.
That result left the club in serious danger of relegation from the Primera División this season, but they scored late on against Boca, this year’s runners up in the Copa Libertadores, to secure a 3-3 draw.
At the end, supporters sat near the Independiente bench then ripped down an advertising board.
Four supporters have since been identified following a police raid and will face charges, as well as being suspended from attending future matches until their case is heard.
Boca President Daniel Angelici subsequently confirmed that the stadium would be closed for the club’s next home game, against Atlético de Rafaela, on September 2.
The second leg of the Copa Sudamericana tie will take place next week, with Independiente slight favourites to advance thanks to the three away goals they have scored.
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