BBC News Online: Sport

Violence mars South American soccer

Both Lanus of Argentina and Vasco di Gama of Brazil have been banned from playing Conmebol cup ties at home for 18 months.

The Lanus captain, Oscar Ruggieri, received a 10-match ban, he was found to have started a mass brawl after his team were defeated 4-1 at home by Atletico Minero. Five other Lanus players received five-match suspensions for their part in the fighting.

Vasco di Gama's tie with the Argentine side River Plate had to be abandoned in the second half.

Vasco di Gama had already had two players sent off in the first half when spectators started throwing rocks onto the pitch. By the second half, a linesman had been injured by a thrown rock, and smoke bombs were being thrown onto the pitch.

The match had to be abandoned when River Plate were 2-0 up.

The second goal was scored by Chilean International Marcello Salas who has been linked with Manchester United. He might be the one overseas player who would find the atmosphere at a Leeds United - Manchester United match rather flat.

Internet Links

Brazilian Football page
South American football page (in Spanish)

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