Argentine match abandoned as a fan dies after falling from the stand

River Plate’s match is abandoned after 28 minutes as a fan tragically falls to their death from the upper stands… with stadium in Buenos Aires closed for 24 hours as police gather evidence

• River Plate match against Defensa y Justicia was abandoned during the first half
• The abandonment came after a River supporter fell to their death from a stand
• River have confirmed that an investigation is underway after the fan’s death 

A top flight match between River Plate and Defensa y Justicia was abandoned in Argentina after a supporter fell to their death from a stand.

League leaders River were hosting the match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires when the incident occurred in the first half.

Referee Fernando Rapallini suspended the match, which was goalless, after being informed about the incident.

River Plate confirmed that the supporter had died instantly after falling from the upper section of the Sivori Alta stand.

The stand was cordoned off, with an investigation now underway into the incident.

River Plate’s match against  Defensa y Justicia was abandoned after the death of a supporter

The match was suspended during the first half after the supporter fell from the stands

Referee Fernando Rapallin spoke to both managers and decided to abandon the match

‘The Football Safety Committee and Club Atletico River Plate regret to inform that, in this afternoon’s match against Defense and Justice, a supporter fell from the Sivori Alta stand and died on the spot,’ a River Plate statement read.

‘The medical service immediately arrived at the area of ​​the incident, as did the police and various security agencies. 

‘The Sivori Alta grandstand was at 90% of its capacity. At the time of the fall there was no intervention by third parties. It was also verified that there was no situation of violence in the stands or around it. After 30 minutes, the stadium was completely evacuated.’

The fan was later identified as Pablo Marcelo Serrano.

The Argentine Football League issued a statement expressing their condolences to Serrano’s family.

River’s opponents Defensa y Justicia also paid tribute to the supporter.

‘Match suspended due to the death of a River fan. We send our condolences to the family, the club and all its supporters,’ a statement read.

The Monumental stadium will remain closed for the next 24 hours while an investigation is conducted.

The stadium currently has a capacity of 83,198 following the completion of renovation work to the lower stands in March.

The stadium was emptied after 30 minutes as an investigation began into the fan’s death

The Monumental stadium will be closed for 24 hours while the investigation is conducted

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