Argentina’s league game halted after River Plate supporter dies after falling from stands
River Plate’s match is abandoned after 28 minutes as a fan tragically falls to his death from the top stand… with the stadium in Buenos Aires closed for 24 hours as police collect evidence
- The River Plate match against Defensa y Justicia was abandoned in the first half
- The stoppage came after a River supporter fell to his death from a stand
- River has confirmed that an investigation is underway after the fan’s death
A top match between River Plate and Defensa y Justicia was abandoned in Argentina after a supporter fell to his death from a stand.
Leader River was hosting the game at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires when the incident occurred in the first half.
Referee Fernando Rapallini suspended the match, which was goalless, after being informed of the incident.
River Plate confirmed that the supporter died instantly after falling from the top section of the Sivori Alta stand.
The stands were cordoned off and an investigation into the incident is now underway.
River Plate’s match against Defensa y Justicia was abandoned after the death of a supporter
The match was stopped in the first half after the supporter fell from the stands
Referee Fernando Rapallin spoke to both managers and decided to abandon the game
“The Football Safety Committee and Club Atletico River Plate regret to inform that during this afternoon’s game against Defense and Justice a supporter fell from the Sivori Alta stands and died on the spot,” said a statement from River Plate.
‘The medical service immediately arrived at the scene of the incident, as did the police and various security services.
‘The grandstand of Sivori Alta was at 90% of its capacity. There was no third party intervention at the time of the fall. It was also verified that there was no situation of violence in or around the stands. After 30 minutes the stadium was completely evacuated.’
The fan was later identified as Pablo Marcelo Serrano.
The Argentine Football Association issued a statement expressing their condolences to Serrano’s family.
River’s opponents Defensa y Justicia also paid tribute to the supporter.
Game suspended due to death of a River fan. We extend our condolences to the family, the club and all its supporters,” said a statement.
The Monumental stadium will remain closed for the next 24 hours pending an investigation.
The stadium currently has a capacity of 83,198 upon completion of renovation works to the lower stands in March.
The stadium was emptied after 30 minutes as an investigation into the fan’s death began
The Monumental Stadium will be closed for 24 hours during the investigation