Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero has been suspended by Boca Juniors for a shocking fan altercation after a loss to River Plate.
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Boca lost at home to RiverRomero lost his cool at a fanHas been suspended for two gamesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
River Plate claimed victory in the fiercely contested Superclasico thanks to a 20th-minute goal by Manuel Lanzini. After an intense match that saw nine yellow cards issued between the two teams and Boca’s Cristian Lema sent off, tensions boiled over into the stands as Romero confronted a fan who had allegedly abused him verbally.
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The situation worsened when other Boca supporters joined in, leading to Romero being restrained by club officials and teammates to prevent further escalation. In response to the incident, the club acted swiftly, suspending Romero for two games.
A statement from Boca read: "The decision has been made that our player Sergio Romero will not be called up for the next two matches we have to play (against Club Atlético Belgrano de Cordoba and Asociacion Atletica Argentinos Juniors). We also want to let you know that the three supporters who caused the aforementioned incident have been identified and that the corresponding measures will be applied to them.
"Our Club must be a big family, made up of fans, players, employees and directors. Therefore, we all owe each other mutual respect at all times and be united for the good of the Club, enjoying sport and the competitions in which Boca participates, encouraging and participating together, in peace and harmony."
WHAT ROMERO SAID
Shortly after the club’s announcement, Romero expressed regret for his actions, issuing a public apology to Boca fans.
"I want to offer my apologies to the Boca fans for the situation at the end," Romero said.
"When the guy was swearing at me, I lost my mind. None of us go out to play a game to lose it, we wanted to win it as much as they did and it didn't happen. I couldn't think at that moment, I lost my mind. I apologise to the Boca fan, I was wrong with my reaction, I should have let it go and left. They have the right to express themselves."
AFPWHAT NEXT?
Saturday’s defeat against River deepened Boca’s struggles as they now sit 11th in the league. Meanwhile, River are sixth in the standings after two consecutive victories but trail table-toppers Velez Sarsfield by six points.
