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Argentina's President asks Boca and River to avoid "disgraceful show"

Xinhua, January 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

Argentina's President, Mauricio Macri, asked the soccer players from local sides Boca Juniors and River Plate, on Thursday, not to repeat the "disgraceful show" that took place the last time the two teams met in the city Mar del Plata (Buenos Aires region) as the match ended with numerous blows and mayhem.

"Obviously all Argentinians - Boca or River fans as well as those who support other teams or don't even like football - hope the teams will give a show that has something to do with soccer and not what we saw last Saturday which was anything but that," said Macri.

Macri, 56, said this in the western central province of Mendoza, where the rivals will meet once again on Saturday after River won the first leg 1-0 in Mar del Plata (Buenos Aires region).

During his brief speech, the president warned "we can't fall back into the disgraceful show from last Saturday."

The match in Mar del Plata ended with five players being sent off, three for Boca and two for River, and will be remembered for the sudden fouls and disloyal attitudes between teammates.

The rivalry between the most popular teams in the country increased with the Copa de Libertadores de America 2015 round of 16, when River's players were attacked by a Boca fan while coming out on to the pitch for the second half. The fan threw pepper spray at the opposition.

River, coached by Marcelo Gallardo, could not continue the match as several of their players were injured from the attack hence the match was suspended.

South American soccer authorities opened disciplinary proceedings against Boca and decided to disqualify them from the tournament hence River Plate went through to the Quarter Finals.

The problem escalated among Boca fans when River went on to become champions after winning the Cup, considered the most important in the region at club level. Upon winning the Cup, River automatically qualified to play in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan where they were knocked out of the final 3-0 by Spain's Barcelona in December. Endit