River Plate game is abandoned after 28 minutes as fan tragically falls to death from upper stands… with Buenos Aires stadium closed for 24 hours as police collect evidence
- River Plate’s game against Defensa y Justicia was abandoned in the first half
- The abandonment came after a River supporter died from a stand
- River confirmed an investigation is underway following the fan’s death
A top-flight game between River Plate and Defensa y Justicia has been abandoned in Argentina after a fan fell from a stand.
League leader River was hosting the game at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires when the incident happened in the first half.
Referee Fernando Rapallini suspended the game, which was scoreless, after being informed of the incident.
River Plate have confirmed the supporter died instantly after falling from the top of the Sivori Alta stand.
The stand has been cordoned off and an investigation is underway into the incident.
River Plate’s game against Defensa y Justicia was abandoned after a fan died
The match was suspended in the first half after the supporter fell from the stands
Referee Fernando Rapallin spoke to both managers and decided to abandon the match
“The Football Safety Committee and Club Atletico River Plate regret to inform that during this afternoon’s match against Defense and Justice, a supporter fell from the Sivori Alta stand and died on place,” said a statement from River Plate.
“The medical service immediately arrived at the scene of the incident, as did the police and various security agencies.
“The Sivori Alta stand was at 90% capacity. At the time of the fall, there was no third party intervention. 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 League released a statement expressing condolences to Serrano’s family.
River’s opponents Defensa y Justicia also paid tribute to the supporter.
‘Match suspended due to death of a River fan. We send our condolences to the family, the club and all its supporters,” a statement read.
The Monumental stadium will remain closed for the next 24 hours while an investigation is carried out.
The stadium currently has a capacity of 83,198 following the completion of renovations to the lower stands in March.
The stadium was emptied after 30 minutes as an inquest began into the fan’s death
The Monumental stadium will be closed for 24 hours during the investigation
