Mayhem in battle of the River Plate fans

Violence broke out a minute before the match with the Belgrano side was over. Angry fans pelted players with objects from the stands, and police replied with high-powered fire hoses with some fans climbing fences topped with razor wire.

As fans were pounded with jets of water, River Plate’s players huddled on the pitch, many in tears.

The mayhem quickly spread outside River’s 50,000-seat stadium. Alberto Crescenti, head of emergency medical services, said at least 55 people had been injured.

Nilda Garre, the minister for security, said 35 police officers were injured. “Fortunately, none have their lives at risk,” she said.

Police used water cannons outside the stadium immediately after the match, hoping to disperse fans quickly. Fans who poured out of the stadium faced police with batons and shields at every exit, while dogs were ready and helicopters hovered overhead.

The area outside the stadium, located in the leafy northern suburb of Nunez, looked like a war zone with police battling hand to hand with hooligans, who are known as “Los Borrachos del Tablon” – the Drunks in the Stands.