The match staged at the Centennial was halted during the Reduced First National due to an attack, and the Argentine Football Association will determine the next steps.
The campaign to climb from the First National, fueled by hopeful signs and lively fixtures, produced a mix of thrilling results and a notable incident in the game between Quilmes and Gimnasia de Mendoza at the Centenario Stadium.
REDUCED FROM THE FIRST NATIONAL: FILM AND RESULTS
As teams prepared to begin the second half with the score tied at 0-0, the Mendoza goalkeeper suffered an impact from a projectile followed by an explosive device landing near his area. The incident prompted referee Jose Carreras to suspend play while medical personnel attended to the situation and the medical team could not stabilize Brian Olivera, prompting the pause.
In spite of initial distrust and protests from Cervecero’s management, the player was eventually moved to a clinic for the necessary checks, and the referee submitted a formal report to the AFA. A statement released on Sunday condemned the events, signaling a firm stance from football authorities.
The association asserted that it rejects the publicized events that disrupted the match between Quilmes and Gimnasia de Mendoza on the local field. It underscored that football should be a moment of joy and unity for players and fans, and noted that actions by a few misguided individuals only tarnish what should be a celebration of sport, passion, and community pride.
Looking ahead, the AFA indicated that the disciplinary board would review the case and determine appropriate measures. The organization emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
WHEN WILL THE MEETING RESUME
The final call rests with the Disciplinary Board, and it is unlikely that Gimnasia will be declared the winner by default. There is growing consensus that the second half could be played at a neutral venue away from Quilmes, behind closed doors, with all hosting costs borne by the southern Greater Buenos Aires club. Such a venue shift could carry implications for the 2024 season under sports sanction considerations.
In the broader context, this incident has prompted renewed discussion about event safety, crowd management, and the responsibilities of clubs to provide secure environments for players and supporters alike. The authorities and teams are expected to outline clear protocols to prevent a recurrence and to preserve the competitive integrity of the season.
As the league and its stakeholders assess the situation, fans are urged to await official guidance from the Disciplinary Board, which will chart the path forward for the competition and determine how best to conclude the interrupted match.
Note: this report reflects information available from contemporary coverage of the incident and subsequent statements from football authorities. Continued updates are anticipated as the case develops.