New Delhi: Two Argentine fans who support Racing were shot in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the highly anticipated Recopa Sudamericana final between Racing Club and Botafogo just a day before the decisive second leg.
According to local media reports, the incident occurred on a beach in the region of Barra da Tijuca, in the city’s west side. The fans were reportedly robbed by an unidentified man before being shot. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and dramatic footage showed one of the victims being airlifted by a helicopter from the Rio fire department.
ℹ️ 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗢:
Racing Club manifiesta su profunda preocupación por el robo y agresión con armas de fuego del que fueron víctimas Gabriel Gago y Cristian Pagani, hinchas de nuestra institución, esta tarde en una playa de Barra de Tijuca.
La dirigencia que acompaña a la… pic.twitter.com/WyxQ6N9J9M— Racing Club (@RacingClub) February 27, 2025
Authorities confirmed that one of the fans was rushed to Miguel Couto Hospital, where he underwent surgery while the other was taken to Lourenco Jorge Hospital and is now in stable condition. Despite the severity of the attack, no arrests have been made so far, and Rio police have launched an investigation into the case.
This shocking event has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a thrilling football showdown. Rio police are investigating and said no arrest has been made so far.
The Recopa Sudamericana title is played between the winners of Copa Libertadores (Botafogo) and the Copa Sundamericana (Racing). The reigning Copa Sudamericana champions defeated Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo 2-0 in Buenos Aires last week setting up a tense return leg at the Nilton Santos Stadium on Thursday.
With passions already running high between the two clubs, the attack on supporters has raised concerns over security ahead of the final. While football is meant to bring fans together such incidents serve as a grim reminder of the risks that sometimes come with the sport’s most intense rivalries.
South American glory on the line! Libertadores champion Botafogo faces Sudamericana winner Racing for the Recopa Sudamericana title. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
