A football supporter from San Martín de Tucumán is fatally shot hours before a high-stakes match
He had supported San Martín de Tucumán, a club that competes in Argentina’s second division, and his life ended in a violent incident tied to the passionate yet turbulent world of regional football rivalries. The fatal shot occurred just hours before a crucial league clash against Belgrano, a match that drew enormous attention from fans and local media alike. Police sources conveyed to local outlets that the 36-year-old man was killed during an exchange tied to violence between ultras factions allied with the teams involved. The tragedy unfolded near the La Ciudadela stadium in Tucumán, a city already buzzing with anticipation for the game.
The incident happened very close to kickoff, when teams from the top and second positions in the table prepared to meet. Police statements indicate this was an operation unfolding amid clashes between rival fan groups from San Martín de Tucumán and other supporters connected to the same club. Local coverage captured the moment on the streets and reported the immediate aftermath as security teams moved in to secure the area and assist bystanders. In the aftermath, the teams proceeded with the match, a decision announced by the clubs as a necessity due to safety assurances. Rubén Moisello, the president of the hosting club, noted that the game could go ahead because conditions were deemed adequate despite the ongoing police activity. He stressed that no loss of life should be justified by sports competition and that authorities would investigate the circumstances to determine responsibility. During a broadcast with DSports, Moisello reflected that the mood of the day was heavy and sat with the somber reality of what had happened, yet emphasized that the match would continue because officials, referees, and security chiefs remained confident that the stadium was secure for spectators and participants.
Eyewitness footage from local news outlets showed the mournful scene with the victim lying injured and bystanders pleading for help as the area was flooded with emergency responders. The unfolding events highlighted the fragile balance between the fervor of football culture and the need for safety in a crowded stadium environment. While the final whistle sounded and the field cleared, the incident left a lasting impression on players, officials, and fans who came to witness a match that would go on despite the sorrowful backdrop. This narrative continues to be shaped by police investigations and ongoing coverage from regional media, with reports and updates attributed to law enforcement and witnesses on the ground.