Monday, 27th June, 2011
River Plate’s relegation to Argentine’s second division was overshadowed by riots yesterday which left over 50 hurt. The club, which is steeped in the country’s football history and has won over 30 league titles as well as two Copa Libertadores, will be battling for a comeback to Argentina’s top-flight next year for the first time in 110 years.
A 1-1 draw with Belgrano de Cordoba in the second leg of the relegation playoff was not enough to secure another year in Argentina’s Primera Division and players were pelted by distraught spectators after the final whistle was blown.
A violent rampage between fans and the police followed which saw 25 police officers sent to hospital, local businesses looted and cars torched.
Despite Argentina’s beneficial tally system, which takes into account a club’s performance over the previous three years and tends to protect big traditional clubs from relegation, River Plate’s recent dip in form was enough to send the legendary Millionarios into the second tier.
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