BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – The mayhem that swept River Plate’s stadium following the famed soccer club’s relegation to the second division left 89 people injured and is threatening the upcoming Copa America tournament.
The riots were sparked by rampaging fans humiliated by the club’s demotion despite a history that includes more league titles than any Argentine club. In addition to those injured, police said 55 people were detained.
Fans were sprayed with high-power water hoses — inside and outside the stadium — with police using tear gas, rubber bullets and hand-to-hand combat in a futile attempt to control the rioting.
As fans scattered, they set fire to vehicles and rubbish bins around the stadium in the leafy suburb of Nunez, with many smashing windows and breaking into shops in upscale areas.
A prosecutor ordered the stadium closed until the turnstiles can be inspected. There are suggestions the seating capacity of 40,000 was exceeded by 12,000. The stadium also serves as Argentina’s national stadium and is set to hold the Copa America final July 24.
Argentina is the host nation for the Copa America — the South American national team championship — with play opening Friday in La Plata, 35 miles from Buenos Aires. Argentina and
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