Dark clouds lie over South America's biggest game
Riots between local Brazilians and Argentinian visitors have overshadowed a party for soccer supporters on the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the Copa Libertadores final between hosts Fluminense and Boca Juniors Buenos Aires on Saturday (9pm CET). According to the local police, their officers arrested two Argentinians and one Brazilian.
Television footage shows that the security forces also used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up the riots. South America's continental association CONMEBOL condemned the outbreaks of violence between the traditionally fiercely rival fans from the countries of the two major soccer powers. "The values of sport should promote peaceful and harmonious behavior. For this reason, we also reject acts of violence in connection with this final," said an official reaction from the organization to the clashes on the world-famous beach of the former Olympic city.
Argentina's ambassador protests
Despite this, mutual recriminations over the riots also caused diplomatic tensions between the countries of the two finalists. In view of information in the Argentinian press about an "ambush" by local hooligans for Boca fans with "hunts" and robberies as well as a one-sided approach by the police against fans from Buenos Aires, Argentina's ambassador to Brazil criticized the tactics of the emergency services. He was "outraged by the irrational actions of the police", said Daniel Scioli: "Nothing justifies police repression in the context of a passion for soccer."
The Copa Libertadores is the most important trophy in South American club soccer and thus the counterpart to the European Champions League. In the duel to succeed Flamengo from Rio de Janeiro, Fluminense is aiming for its first success at continental level, while former Maradona club Boca Juniors is hoping for its seventh Copa Libertadores triumph.
Despite the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the Copa Libertadores final in Rio de Janeiro, many Brazilian soccer fans are eager to watch their hometown team, Fluminense, compete against Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors. Brazil, known for its love of soccer, especially in Rio de Janeiro, hopes that the match will be remembered for its skill and camaraderie, rather than the previous riots involving local and Argentinian supporters.
Source: www.ntv.de
