The abandoned second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors will go ahead but not in Argentina, as confirmed by Conmebol.
Saturday’s clash at River’s El Monumental stadium had to be put back twice and then eventually scuttled altogether just hours before kick-off after Boca’s team bus was attacked on the way to the ground, players ended up in hospital and riot police deployed tear gas to quell various fan disturbances.
Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez met with the presidents of both River and Boca on Tuesday and a course of prevailing action was eventually decided.
As such, the tie will now be replayed on 8th/9th December and at a neutral venue outside of Argentina entirely, possibly in Paraguay. A final decision will be made “as soon as possible”.
River thus will have home advantage revoked, punishing the club more heavily for their fans’ part in the violence and upheaval.
Such a shame. What should have been a thrilling showpiece for Argentinian football has become nothing more than a national embarrassment.