A stadium full of fans with players lined up on the field and an inset showing a close-up of a man's face
ARGENTINA

Mariano Closs targeted CONMEBOL during the live commentary of Racing vs. Peñarol.

The journalist called for greater intervention from the South American organization after Godoy Cruz fans suffered repression in Brazil during the minute of silence for 'racism'

The Copa Libertadores night at the Cilindro de Avellaneda featured not only Racing, which achieved a dramatic qualification against Peñarol, but also Mariano Closs, who was responsible for narrating the match for ESPN. His style, full of emotion, became a trend on social media again, but this time not only because of the outcome of the match, but also due to a strong message directed at CONMEBOL.

La crítica de Closs a la CONMEBOL

While referee Wilmar Roldán began the minute of silence promoted by the organization against racismand discrimination, Closs took the opportunity to express his discomfort: "I believe that what happened in Brazil the other day, in the match where Godoy Cruz's supporters were cruelly punished by the Brazilian police, I understand that CONMEBOL also has to intervene in that."

The commentator expanded on his complaint and addressed South American leadership directly: "I understand racism, discrimination, violence, every phenomenon. But please, intervention must be different, not just with this photo."

A group of people argue and get into a physical altercation in the stands of a stadium behind a protective net.
Brazilian police attacked Godoy Cruz fans | La Derecha Diario

The background: the repression of Godoy Cruz supporters

Closs's words referred to what happened last Thursday in Belo Horizonte, where Godoy Cruz visited Atlético Mineiro for the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. After the Mendoza team's 2-1 defeat, the local police entered the away section violently to evict the supporters.

The operation left injured and detained individuals, as well as images of extreme brutality that spread across social media. One of Tomba's supporters even had to undergo surgery for a foot fracture as a result of the blows received.

Person lying on a hospital stretcher with a leg in a cast while a healthcare professional finishes applying the bandage.
This is how the Godoy Cruz fan's foot ended up | La Derecha Diario

Meanwhile, in Brazil, they argued that the repression occurred in response to alleged racist insults from the visiting fans, while in Argentina, they denounced excessive abuse of police force.

In that context, Closs called on CONMEBOL to play a more active role in guaranteeing the safety and respect of South American supporters who travel to support their teams in international tournaments.

➡️ Argentina

More posts: