Crespo, Burdisso ask fans to respect game

Boca and River Plate stars unite to decry violence in Argentina

At a time when emotions are running high and there is uncertainty over where the rescheduled Copa Libertadores final second leg between River Plate and Boca Juniors will be hosted, two of the legends of the teams — Hernan Crespo and Nicolas Burdisso — sat side by side and urged fans to maintain calm while respecting Pele’s “Beautiful Game”.

The Boca Juniors team bus was attacked by River Plate fans on its way to the game at River’s Estadio Monumental on Saturday, leading to the cancellation of the match that would decide the final team contending for the Club World Cup next month in the UAE.

Crespo said: “I would like to say as players we are very disappointed with what happened. I would say we in Argentina have missed out on a huge opportunity to host a good final. We know there is a history of rivalry between the two sides. but the fans have to refrain from such practices.”

It is still not clear where the second leg of the final will be held and one of the names doing the rounds is Miami.

“The Concacaf committee has to decide what they plan to do, but whatever they would, will be in the interest of the game,” said Crespo, who made 62 appearances for River Plate and scored 24 goals for them.

Burdisso, the former Argentine centre-back who began his career with Boca Juniors and won the Argentine Championships, three Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups, echoed the sentiments of Crespo saying, “It is upsetting. As football players, we have to be committed and fans should also show resolve to ensure such things are not repeated.”

With the Club World Cup scheduled for December 12-22 and the Copa Libertadores finals delayed, the last team for the Club World Cup from South America will be only known just days before the actual event kicks off in Abu Dhabi.

The Boca Juniors team bus was attacked by River Plate fans on its way to the game at River’s Estadio Monumental on Saturday.