Argentine Attorney General Agustin Pallavicino summoned River Plate and Boca Juniors duo Marcos Rojo and Luis Vazquez after riots in the two teams’ match in the local soccer league, which saw seven red cards sent off during River’s 1-0 victory on Sunday evening.
And the match seemed to be on its way to a draw until the referee awarded a penalty kick in stoppage time, which was executed by Miguel Angel Borja in the net, to enhance River’s lead in the league, while its rivals remained in 13th place.
Alavecino celebrated in front of the Boca players, causing riots to break out, causing the match to stop for 16 minutes, and the police had to intervene before the referee expelled three players from each team, in addition to Boca coach Jorge Almiron.
The Public Prosecutor of Mass Events charged Palavicino and Vazquez with incitement to riot, and Rojo entering the stadium without permission as the former Manchester United defender did not participate in the match due to an injury.
Boca president Jorge Amor told Reuters: “Marcos stepped in to help the team because he’s the captain and he was trying to help and he had no intention of hurting anyone. These are the consequences of refereeing.” I am not a supporter of any kind of violence. It all started after Palavicino celebrated the goal.
Pallavicino apologized on Monday and expressed remorse for his actions and lack of self-control.
“I made a mistake and I didn’t want to leave this impression on River,” the midfielder told local station TYC Sports.
According to Argentine law, Rojo’s punishment ranges from one to five days of public service or a fine of between 200 and 2,000 Argentine pesos ($0.87 to $8.79).
Pallavicino and Vazquez face fines of between 10,000 and 50,000 pesos or imprisonment from five days to one month.
