Why was Gimnasia vs Boca Juniors suspended in Argentina?

Both teams were subsequently sent to their respective dressing rooms, as sections of the crowd looked for ways to avoid the gas.

The Juan Carmelo Zerillo Stadium in La Plata turned into a nightmare for all involved on Thursday when Gimnasia La Plata hosted Boca Juniors in the Argentinian top flight.

In the ninth minute of the league match between the sides, the stadium was covered in gas and caused the match to be suspended due to breathing and sight difficulties. Both players and fans were affected by tear gas coming from outside the stadium, due to incidents that were beginning to escalate between police and supporters.

Supporters were trapped inside in stadium, choking on tear gas, as police fired rubber bullets outside and eventually the public flooded the pitch. Both teams were subsequently sent to their respective dressing rooms, as sections of the crowd looked for ways to avoid the gas. After minutes of uncertainty, the AFA suspension of the match was made official.

TNT broadcaster Juan Pablo Varsky said that the whole incident outside the stadium was triggered by a police officer hitting a girl in a scuffle with fans. This scuffle was caused by the massive sale of general admission tickets. Some supporters with tickets to see the match were then not allowed to enter the stadium as the capacity had been exceeded.

One person killed

The Buenos Aires Security Minister, Sergio Berni, confirmed that one person had died following the incidents in La Plata. “We will carry out an investigation to find out what happened. At first glance, the first problem was the sale of extra tickets. The clubs have to take responsibility for that. The responsibility lies with the organiser of the event. I confirm that one person has died of a heart problem”.