The stadium of River Plate was closed this Wednesday for unauthorized use of pyrotechnics, in the spectacular reception of fire that has gone around the world on social networksby the ‘millionaire’ fans during Tuesday’s match against the Atlético Mineiro for a place in the final of the Copa Libertadores, according to official sources.
The Government Control Agency (AGC), dependent on the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, imposed an administrative closure against the “Más Monumental” stadium for non-compliance due to the use of fireworks.
“The use of pyrotechnics was authorized by the Football Committee in a specific place (…) for a certain time, but this was not carried out, since it was thrown throughout the Stadium,” the AGC said in a statement.
The government control institution also reported that an inspection carried out on Tuesday night by police officers and the AGC itself found, in a bathroom for the disabled, pyrotechnic fire boxes containing 3,648 flares.
“After the closure imposed by the Government Control Agency, now Justice must determine the sanctions, the Public Prosecutor’s Minister also intervenes and there is also the sanction of Conmebol,” they added in the document.
Sources from the millionaire club informed EFE that they have been working since they were notified to lift the closure and assured that only the stadium is unavailable to play matchesbut that members and visitors can use the facilities.
During the match, in which River had to score at least three goals to tie the series, their fans received their team with a spectacle of light flares and red smoke that covered the entire stadium.
However, the fans’ efforts were not enough for Marcelo Gallardo’s team to accomplish the feat. It ended up drawing 0-0 and was left out of the competition.
Added to this situation was the disqualification of the stadium, now the club authorities will have to make a presentation in the Buenos Aires Justice and pay a “significant financial fine.”