Violent Argentinian fan wants to return to stadium

Boca Juniors fan Adrian Napolitano, who received a stadium ban after attacking River Plate players with pepper spray, said on Friday he wants return to his team's stadium.

The Argentinian fan told sports daily "Ole" that the Boca fans would "forgive" him.

Napolitano attacked the rival team on May 14, 2015, which led to the team being disqualified in the Round of 16 at the last Copa Libertadores de America.

That day, Napolitano threw pepper spray at the River Plate players when they were coming onto the pitch at the start of the second half in the La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The referee decided to suspend the so far goal-less match due to the various players injured by the gas.

The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) later eliminated Boca Juniors which led to River Plate going on to win the tournament.

Argentina's justice system charged Napolitano for the crime of "aggravated assault" along with another three violent fans while the soccer club decided to ban them from the stadium.

"Every time I see a match, I always think that I will return. I know that I have a lot to make up for but also I know that they (the Boca fans) will forgive me and one day I will return to the stadium," said Napolitano, who works as a baker.

During his first contact with the media since he committed the crime, Napolitano confirmed that in the moment he only wanted "to frighten" River's players because he thought the team, coached by Marcelo Gallardo, was going to defeat his beloved Boca.

"I saw that we were going to lose once again against River. I got out from behind the chain and decided to throw the gas. I never imagined what was going to happen. I only wanted to scare them, to put pressure on them," said Napolitano. Enditem