Shock moment Argentina legend steps in to stop chaos in Boca Juniors clash after riot police deployed tear gas
ARGENTINIAN legend Juan Roman Riquelme has intervened to stop warring football fans during a wild stadium brawl.
The Boca Juniors president stepped in as chaos broke out during his team’s Copa Argentina quarter-final against Gimnasia.
Riquelme spent the majority of his playing career with Boca, who are based in a district of Buenos Aires.
The 46-year-old won 51 caps for Argentina and became president of the club last year.
Gimnasia and Boca fans have a history of violence, with one spectator dying following an altercation in 2022.
On Wednesday night, with Boca leading 1-0, fans began to clash in the stands at Rosario’s Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.
Seats were thrown from the Boca end into the Gimnasia fans before skirmishes broke out among rival supporters.
The game was halted as fans attempted to break down barriers, with police firing tear gas into the crowds.
Riquelme, along with board members Chicho Serna, Raul Cascini, and Marcelo Delgado, dashed from their private box to intervene.
The former midfield maestro was caught on camera begging with Bocas ultras to stop, with one hugging their hero.
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Riquelme’s pleas were eventually heeded by Boca fans who retreated away from the barriers, preventing further trouble.
One fan gasped on X in response to the footage: “Never seen a club president do this, at least not for a big club. His actions probably prevented things from escalating.”
Another said: “Boca’s situation is already unsustainable.”
While a third added: “This is actually crazy.”
On the field, Boca had taken an early lead in the tie thanks to Aaron Anselmino.
But they were pegged back in the second period as
Pablo De Blasis levelled up for Gimnasia.
The tie eventually went to penalties, with Boca winning 2-1 after a host of misses from the visitors.