What seemed to be one of the most exciting ties in this Copa Libertadores edition could have ended in tragedy. During the second leg of the Argentinian Superclásico, Boca Juniors' fans pepper sprayed River's players as they entered the pitch for the start of the second half.
Leo Ponzio, Leonel Vangioni, Ramiro Funes Mori and Sebastian Driussi were among those affected after being exposed to the gas. Ponzio kept spraying water into his eyes while his face was clearly bloated. As incredible as it may seem, Boca's players wanted to carry on with the match, but referee Darío Herrera determined that the game had to be suspended.
Apparently, one of Boca's radical fans used a welding device to open a gap between the tunnel and the stands, so that he could use the spray against River's footballers. Coach Marcelo Gallardo refused to continue the match as his players were stranded in the middle of the pitch out of fear of being abused again.
"A ghost-shaped drone, the welder that opened the railing, and the pepper sprays. This was a well plotted plan by Boca's radicals."
Un dron fantasma, el soldador que abrió la reja y gas lacrimógeno... El ataque planeado de los ultras de Boca pic.twitter.com/E0RZIQksxN
— Ale Padín (@alepadin) May 15, 2015
Coach Marcelo Gallardo and his players minutes after being sprayed by one of Boca's radical supporters.
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Leonardo Ponzio kept washing his face to avoid more complications after being exposed to the spray.
Carlos Sanchez(right), the man who scored the series' only goal last week, tends to one of his team-mates.
Rodrigo Funes Mori, with his hands over his head, suffered the most after being exposed to the gas.
"This is not the picture you want to see. Being a Boca fan, River fan or whoever you support. THIS KILLS FOOTBALL, THIS TYPE OF THING HURTS"
Esta imagen no es la que se quiere. Siendo hincha de Boca, River o lo que sea..ESTO MATA EL FÚTBOL,ESTO DUELE. pic.twitter.com/zkhV3Gds5E
— Bօstɛʀa (@enfermaxBoca) May 15, 2015
Usually, such an incident would end up with Boca being expelled from the competition, but sources indicate the match could be resumed on Sunday evening. To end this shameful show, Boca's players left the pitch after applauding their fans, those who caused the game's suspension.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Boca Juniors 0 - 0 River Plate
May 14, 2015 8:00pmEstadio Alberto José Armando (Ciudad de Buenos Aires)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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