Tragedy in Argentine football. River Plate vs. Defensa y Justicia was suspended due to the death of a fan in the Más Monumental stadium. The match, corresponding to matchday 19 of the Professional League, had started and the first half was being played normally. However, a call for help from the stands caused everything to stop. Referee Fernando Rapallini became aware, informed the captains, and decided to apply the suspension.
According to Argentine media, the person fell from the Sívori alta stand and the impact caused immediate death. Witnesses in the stands saw the fall, called for immediate help, and began demanding the cancellation of the match. The doctor took just over a minute to arrive and confirm the death.
The information reached the authorities and Rapallini called the captains of River and Defensa to inform them of the situation. They immediately accepted the decision. It was quickly reported to security to open the doors of the Más Monumental to clear the area and evacuate as soon as possible. Half an hour later, the venue was empty of fans.
Statements from the authorities
Fernando Rapallini spoke after the suspension: "I heard the stands asking to stop the match, so we stopped to see what was happening and they told me that there was a person who was seriously injured, but it had not yet been confirmed that he had died. After 4-5 minutes, they confirmed that he had died and the security agencies informed me that the match was suspended."
Alberto Crescenti, head of the Ministry of Health of the Buenos Aires City Government, stated on TyC Sports: "To clarify whether he died before or as a result of the fall, an autopsy is going to be performed. To see if he had a previous injury. The autopsy will reveal the true causes of this event. It is a long-haired male.".
At this time, friends and family of the victim are entering the Más Monumental to identify the body, while awaiting the imminent statement from River Plate on social media. Likewise, in the coming hours, the rescheduling of the match will be announced. A tragedy that mourns Argentine football this Saturday.
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