Sport

At least one fan has died following violence at Argentinian football match

At least one fan has died following violence at Argentinian football match

A football match in Argentina was abandoned as at least one person died following clashes between supporters and police.

The game between Gimnasia and Boca Juniors was taking place at the Juan Carmelo Zerillo Stadium, which was reportedly full.

Local authorities have reported that despite the maximum capacity, additional home supporters were attempting to enter the ground.

This resulted in clashes with police, in which rubber bullets and tear gas were used in an attempt to restore order.

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As reported by the BBC, the game was called off after nine minutes, with fans spilling onto the pitch trying to escape the turmoil.

Buenos Aires security minister Sergio Berni confirmed there was one death and that they "died of cardiac arrest".

Authorities at San Martin hospital in La Plata, the city where Gimnasia are based, also confirmed the death, that of a 57-year-old man because of cardiac arrest as he was being transferred from the stadium to the hospital.

An estimated 10,000 fans were outside the 20,000-capacity stadium and unable to get in.

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Berni said an investigation would be opened, with the possible over-selling of tickets one area being looked at.

Fans were squeezing through fencing to try to get onto the pitch of the Juan Carmelo Zerillo stadium in La Plata.

Referee Hernan Mastrangelo said: "It affected all of us on the field.

"The air became unbreathable. The situation got out of control and there were no security guarantees."

 

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