Buenos Aires pre-match violence kills two

Two people were killed and 14 injured after violence flared ahead of the Argentinian league game between Racing and Independiente…

Two people were killed and 14 injured after violence flared ahead of the Argentinian league game between Racing and Independiente yesterday.

La Nacionnewspaper report one man was stabbed and another shot as supporters of both sides fought running battles in Buenos Aires.

One of the most serious confrontations occurred at Banfield train station as a small group of Racing supporters were ambushed by around 50 Independiente fans carrying firearms.

Of the injuries, two are thought to be life-threatening, with a 12-year-old boy believed to be in a serious condition at the Fiorito Hospital.

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The two clubs, who share the same suburb of Buenos Aires, have a violent history, and confrontation was predicted in the build-up to the game, won by Independiente 2-1.

The kick-off was also delayed after fans threw a smoke bomb at Racing keeper Gustavo Campagnuolo.

PA