November 27 – Argentina’s president has called for fresh laws that would crack down on football hooliganism in the wake of the twice-postponed Copa Libertadores second leg at the weekend.
President Mauricio Macri wants to tighten up on the kind of violence that caused the eagerly anticipated showdown between River Plate and Boca Juniors to be called off.
Argentina hosts a summit of the G20 bloc of nations on Friday and Macri went on television to denounce criminal fan organizations known as ‘Barras Bravas’ that are known for dealing drugs and demanding protection money from small businesses located near stadiums.
“We reject the mafias that are often behind this type of violence,” Macri said. “I hope that after this embarrassment, we can get a law passed in extra sessions of Congress.”
Macri said he was incensed that the 23 people arrested in Saturday’s debacle had already been set free. “I don’t understand in the name of all Argentines,” Macri said angrily.
“I don’t understand the reaction of the justice system.” Meanwhile, the security minister for the city of Buenos Aires, Martin Ocampo, has resigned over the fiasco.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714001999labto1714001999ofdlr1714001999owedi1714001999sni@w1714001999ahsra1714001999w.wer1714001999dna1714001999