The stand where the fan Pablo Serrano died last Saturday remains closed, with officials optimistic that it will be reopened in time for the cup match.
On the afternoon of Saturday, June 3, the Monumental Stadium was the scene of a tragedy that stunned fans and staff alike. For reasons under judicial review, a 53-year-old supporter, Pablo Serrano, fell from the Upper Sívori Tribune to the Lower and died almost instantly from the impact suffered during the fall from a height of about 15 meters. Minutes after the incident and following the fan’s death, referee Fernando Rapallini halted the match between River Plate and Defensa y Justicia.
From that moment, after the body was removed and the field cleared, the Specialized Prosecutor for Mass Events of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires began a formal inquiry, led by the well-known prosecutor Celsa Ramírez, who moved to close the case and identify the responsibilities involved.
What initially seemed like a 24-hour closure, or at most a short delay until Monday, stretched on. The Sívori section remained shut to the public as authorities worked to finalize the requests for camera footage, information, and documentation from the club. River Plate hopes to have the sector cleared for Tuesday’s league clash against Fluminense, aiming to have the Monumental Stadium fully available again for the important match in the Copa Libertadores group stage.
River Plate, preparing for a decisive home game against the Brazilian side, faces the challenge of balancing the necessary safety measures with the readiness of the venue. It is expected that security agencies will implement enhanced controls both in the stands where the tragedy occurred and across the rest of the field, to prevent any recurrence and to reassure fans, staff, and visiting teams.
During a Monday evening press interaction, Stéfano Di Carlo, the second vice president, provided some context. Speaking with Radio Continental, he outlined a plan designed to address multiple actions River Plate will undertake to avert similar incidents in the future. He noted that the club would be working through the night to satisfy the prosecutor’s requirements and to ensure that all safety protocols are robust and transparent for all stakeholders involved.
As this situation unfolds, officials emphasize a comprehensive approach to fan safety that aligns with international best practices. The priority remains protecting lives while preserving the integrity of the competition. Local authorities, club officials, and security teams are coordinating to deliver clear guidance on access controls, crowd management, and the use of surveillance resources to support ongoing investigations and future preventive measures. This careful, methodical response is intended to restore confidence among supporters and teams alike as the Copa Libertadores schedule progresses and the club prepares for the upcoming fixtures. [Goal]