River Plate game suspended in distressing scenes as supporter falls to death from stands during match
A FAN has fallen to their death during the River Plate and Defensa y Justicia fixture in Argentina.
The game between the two sides had to be suspended after 28 minutes due to the tragedy.
River Plater confirmed the supporter ‘jumped’ from the upper stand of the Estadio Más Monumental stadium.
A club statement read: “The Football Safety Committee and Club Atlético River Plate regret to inform that, in this afternoon’s match against Defense and Justice, a supporter jumped into the void from the Sívori Alta stand and died on the spot.
“The medical service immediately arrived at the area of the incident, as did the police and various security agencies.
“The Sivori Alta grandstand, where the deceased person had his subscription, was at 90 per cent 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 security agencies and the specialized fiscal unit for massive events, headed by Dr. Celsa Ramírez, are acting and conducting the pertinent investigations.
“By instruction of the prosecutor, the gallery was closed for 24 hours to obtain evidence.”
Following the incident, there was a commotion on the pitch as referee Fernando Rapallini tried to decide what would happen next.
The official eventually decided to suspend the match with the score 0-0.
A red police tent was then spotted in the ground after it was erected around the supporter.
Both sets of players could be seen in distress and upset after the incident while they were still on the pitch.
River Plate manager and former Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis went over to clap the home supporters in a show of respect.
Club Defensa y Justicia paid respects to the fan that died, as it posted on social media.
A statement read: “Match suspended due to the death of a River fan.
“We send our condolences to the family, the institution and all its supporters.”
Police, firefighters and forensic experts could be seen carrying out work at the site where the supporter fell.
River Plate went into the game looking to extend their lead to eight points in the Argentine league, while Defensa y Justicia sat in 5th place.
The Estadio Más Monumental was redeveloped in February and now has the biggest capacity in Argentina and can hold 84,567 people.