Conmebol fined Boca $100,000 for racist gestures

The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) sanctioned Boca Juniors with a fine of 100 thousand dollars for racist gestures. The sanctioned gesture exhibited by one of its fans was during the duel against Corinthians of Brazil, last May, in the match of the qualifying stage of group E of the Copa Libertadores.The punishment is due to “discriminatory gestures” towards the São Paulo fans who came to the Bombonera to witness the match. The Alberto J. Armando stadium will not suffer closure, as intended by the Corinthians authorities, who insisted on the request for closure to the Conmebol Disciplinary Committee.” Football brings us closer, it unites us, it teaches us values, and one of the great values is respect for the rival. We can compete and encourage, but we cannot allow discrimination and much less racism,” said President Alejandro Domínguez, in the run-up to the draw for the eighth round of the Copa Libertadores.The statement of the sanction, issued by CONMEBOL, warned that: “In case of repeating any infraction to the sports discipline of the same or similar nature (…), the Disciplinary Commission may determine the total or partial closure of the stadium for its next home match.” Boca and Corinthians will meet again this Tuesday in São Paulo, while on July 5 they will do so in Buenos Aires, in two knockout matches of the Copa Libertadores.

Original source in Spanish