The celebration for a new, and controversial, title of Rosario Central was overshadowed by a series of incidents that shook Rosario. After the Canalla's celebrations for winning the International Supercup at the Monument to the Flag, a group of fans headed towards Parque Independencia and passed near the Coloso Marcelo Bielsa stadium, where provocations between supporters of the two teams led to a violent confrontation.
According to initial reports, the taunts from Central fans were met with stones thrown by fans of the Lepra who were in the area. The confrontation escalated quickly and forced the intervention of police officers, who entered the premises of the red and black institution in an attempt to disperse the involved groups.
The situation generated scenes of desperation among people who had no connection to the disturbances. Members, families, children participating in sports activities, and people in the barbecue area were left exposed to the stampedes, screams, and the sound of rubber bullets.
The episode also affected the youth footballers housed in Newell's dormitory. In various videos circulated on social media, players can be seen having to flee the area to seek shelter from the advancing operation. "What is happening?", one of the young players asked, visibly shaken by what was occurring outside.
The images recorded by witnesses also show moments of intense tension during the police operation. In one of the videos, a police officer is seen hitting a person who was on the ground and had already been subdued at least twice.
As a result of the confrontations, some private vehicles were damaged and there were multiple injuries, in addition to several arrests, although the exact number has not been officially specified. On the police side, according to a provincial government official, two officers suffered minor injuries during the incidents.
The strong response from Newell's
Following the events, Newell's issued a statement expressing "its strongest condemnation" for what happened both in the vicinity and inside its facilities, and stated that the situation is "absolutely incompatible with the respect that must exist towards our club, its members, and fans".
The institution sought to distance itself from any responsibility for the start of the disturbances and emphasized: "neither the members and fans nor the leaders of Newell's Old Boys were the ones who provoked or initiated the events that occurred". In this regard, it asserted that its community was involved in a situation generated by circumstances beyond the club's control and deemed "unacceptable" any attempt to hold the institution or its members accountable.
The main criticism was directed at the actions of the police and the entry of officers into the premises. "We emphatically reject the police action and the intrusion of force agents within the facilities of Newell's Old Boys", stated the leadership, which also reminded that it is an institution "owned by its members".
The club demanded that operations be conducted under "criteria of proportionality, responsibility, and unrestricted respect for the institution and those who are part of it". It also pointed out the shortcomings of those responsible for sports security and mass events, expressing “the deep distrust that Newell's Old Boys has towards their actions”.
In the statement, the entity requested a review of the criteria used to plan and execute such operations and demanded "clear answers and concrete responsibilities when appropriate". Finally, it announced that it would take the case to court: "Therefore, the Club will take legal action regarding the events that occurred this Tuesday".
