Boca Juniors punished for racism in the Libertadores – 04/08/2024 – Sport

The Argentine team Boca Juniors was punished by Conmebol (South American Football Confederation) for racist acts committed by fans during a clash against Palmeiras in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-finals at the Bombonera stadium, in Buenos Aires, in September 2023 .

On the occasion, a fan of the Argentine club was caught pointing a cell phone at the Palmeiras fans with the word ‘monkey’ written on the device’s screen. Fans of the Xeneize team were also seen in the stands making gestures alluding to the animal.

After the match, Palmeiras management filed a complaint with the South American confederation. Because of the episode, Boca Juniors will have to pay a fine of US$100,000 (R$505,000), according to a post made by the club on Sunday night (7) on X (formerly Twitter).

Furthermore, the ‘south tribune’ sector of the Bombonera will be partially closed, with capacity reduced to 2,900 fans — the space usually houses up to 5,000 fans. The club will also have to display a banner with the phrase “enough of racism” at games at its stadium.

The game in Argentina ended in a 0-0 draw. After another 1-1 draw at Allianz Parque, Boca won on penalties and qualified for the final, losing the decision to Fluminense.

“As part of a new international game at Bombonera, we invite fans to reflect on living the game with the passion that characterizes us, but away from any type of racist demonstrations and xenophobic acts. And we reaffirm our commitment to free football of any kind of discrimination”, says Boca’s message on social media.

After a goalless draw against Nacional Potosí-BOL in the debut of the 2024 edition of the Copa Sudamericana, the Argentine team plays its first match at home this Tuesday (9), against Sportivo Trinidense-PAR in a match valid for the group D, which also includes Fortaleza.

In the publication, Boca also calls on the fans to have “behavior to match”, and warns that “it will make all means available to identify and sanction people involved in this type of actions [racistas]who may be subject to the harshest sanctions provided for in the regulations, including expulsion.”

In 2022, the Buenos Aires club had already been punished by Conmebol with a fine of US$100,000 for racist acts by fans in a home match against Corinthians in the Libertadores.