Football players pepper-sprayed by riot police in chaotic end to match
Riot police stormed the pitch and pepper-sprayed players as a promotion play-off match in Argentina’s second division descended into violent chaos.Deportivo Madryn, playing at home at the Coliseo del Golfo, secured a 1-0 victory over Deportivo Morón to advance to the Primera Nacional play-off final on Sunday, where they will face Estudiantes de Río Cuarto.But their progression was overshadowed by extraordinary scenes at full-time, with players, staff, and even some supporters becoming embroiled in disorder that forced heavily armoured police to intervene.The match’s flashpoint came in the first half when referee Pablo Echavarría awarded Madryn a free-kick that Morón players deemed highly controversial.The resulting set piece led directly to Santiago Postel’s headed goal, which ultimately proved to be the winner.Morón, who had been enjoying the better chances and more possession, reacted furiously to the decision, and tempers simmered throughout the remainder of the contest.Their frustration grew early in the second half when Joaquin Livera was sent off, leaving Morón a man down as they chased an equaliser. Despite their pressure, they were unable to break Madryn’s defensive structure. Riot police stormed the pitch and pepper-sprayed players | GALLO LOCURAWhen Echavarría blew the final whistle, anger spilled into outright confrontation.Immediately after the match ended, several Morón players and staff surrounded the referee, and groups from both teams clashed on the field. Riot police, already stationed around the pitch, advanced quickly onto the turf wearing full protective gear, shields, and helmets.Video footage from the chaotic aftermath shows Morón players attempting to kick a line of shielded officers as teammates and staff tried to restrain them. The heated finish occurred between Deportivo Madryn and Deportivo Morón on Sunday | GALLO LOCURAAs the crowd of players pushed closer, police deployed pepper spray in an effort to drive them back. Several Morón players recoiled instantly, retreating as the irritant took effect.The situation rapidly deteriorated further. Punches were thrown between individuals from both teams, and at one point several Morón players chased a Madryn footballer across the pitch, attempting to kick him as he fled. Madryn secured a 1-0 victory to advance to the Primera Nacional play-off final | GALLO LOCURASupporters also became entangled in the melee, with flares being lit in the stands and bottles hurled towards the touchline.One Morón player was seen being held in a headlock by police as he was escorted away. Officers struggled to separate the two sides as a mass of players, staff, and fans surged towards the sideline.Madryn’s players were unable to celebrate their progression as the violence unfolded, leaving the promotion hopefuls to prepare for their final under a cloud of controversy.
