Sunday, June 26, 2011

River hooligans, angry fans clash with police after team's defeat

Enraged River Plate fans clashed with the police outside their team’s stadium in the Nuñez neighborhood. Their anger was sparked by River Plate’s latest defeat, which means the team now drops to the country’s National B league.

In order to avoid being relegated from the First Division, River had to score twice against Belgrano de Córdoba, but the team fell short of their effort and only managed a 1-1 draw. 

In the first leg of this defining match, River had lost 2-0 to Belgrano de Córdoba.

Once the riots stopped, official sources confirmed that 72 people had been hospitalized with various injuries, including a police officer who was taken to the Churruca Hospital in critical condition.

Out of those 72 injured, 25 are police officials who were hurt outside of the stadium.

“We believe there are two officials in grave condition after being hit in the head with stones and other objects hurled at them,” they stated.

Police officials also confirmed that 95 people had been arrested in the protests.

A thick plume of smoke could be seen coming out of one of the stadium’s wings, as Belgrano fans remain inside, waiting for the River hooligans to clear the area.

Police officials reported that several fights broke among River Plate fans, while others attacked the police. Many damages to the stadium and its surroundings were reported.

The first incidents were reported while the game was still being played, as several River Plate fans attempted entering the field. Firemen began spraying the rioters with their fire hoses, which caused them to relegate and go back to their seats.

Outside the stadium, angry fans set several vehicles on fire, as they hurled firecrackers and stones to policemen and damaged property over the Udaondo and Del Libertador avenues.