Football
9y

Argentina adds police for River Plate vs. Boca Juniors

#INSERT type:image caption:Police have stepped up security for River-Boca match. END#

A record 9,000 police officers will be on hand to provide security during the heated rivalries scheduled in Argentine football league action this weekend, including Sunday's match between River Plate and Boca Juniors.

The Copa Libertadores round-of-16 match between bitter Argentine rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate was suspended back in May of this year after River Plate players were sprayed with pepper spray.

For the 24th fixture in the league's play this weekend, more than 30 teams will play and the 15 stadiums will see increased police presence with 1,300 assigned to Monumental alone for the River match and 1,000 to be patrolling Rosario for the Central-Newell's match.

The numbers have been reported from clubs and other official sources, although The Associated Press reports that they are estimated because there is no countrywide information available from the police or the Argentina Football Federation.

Argentine sports daily Ole called the security plans a "historic record" for Argentine football.

"I hope that both sides have learned that moments like that [Copa Libertadores match] cannot be repeated," said River's Leonardo Ponzio. "It was very ugly. We must try to have a weekend without any violence."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

^ Back to Top ^