BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Throwing confetti from the stands is one of the most enduring traditions among Argentine soccer fans. Argentinawill no longer be allowed in the capital, Buenos Aires.
The Buenos Aires Sports Safety Committee on Wednesday issued a “precautionary” ban on the use of confetti in stadiums in the region following a fire that broke out during last Sunday’s match between River Plate and River Plate. boca juniors in monumental stadium.
Firefighters had to intervene to extinguish the blaze, which damaged several seats in the stadium and caused the evacuation of spectators.
“Despite the home club’s prior approval of emergency response procedures and the resources necessary to implement them, incidents have occurred that clearly demonstrate that these materials can pose a potential ignition risk in crowded environments,” city officials said.
The day before the match, River Plate’s supporters’ subcommittee called on fans to cut thousands of pieces of confetti to give the ‘millionaires’ a grand welcome. Boca won 1-0 thanks to Leandro Paredes’ penalty kick.
The tradition of throwing confetti from the stands became popular during the 1978 World Cup, hosted by Argentina, and has since been imitated by fans around the world.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
