FUTBOL GEEKS
Argentine hooligans export their expertise
Argentine hooligans export their expertise
BUENOS AIRES, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Argentina's notorious football hooligans are selling their trouble-making expertise abroad, principally to Colombia and Mexico, a report in the sports daily Ole said Wednesday.
Ole quoted a government source as saying members of Argentina's barras bravas - a hardcore groups of fans -- had travelled to the two countries to meet supporters and organise conferences, charging for their advice in U.S. dollars.
The subject matter included terrace chants, the use of weapons and methods for extorting money from club directors and players.
The report said a leading fan from Mexico's Pumas UNAM had twice visited Buenos Aires to obtain first hand experience of the methods used by the notorious Boca Juniors supporters club known as "La Doce" (The 12th man).
He stayed in a top five-star hotel and continued the exchange via e-mail after returning to Mexico, the report added.
Rafael Di Zeo, leader of La Doce, was quoted as saying: "As far as the world's hooligans are concerned, La Doce is Harvard. They come here to learn."
Argentina has a chronic hooliganism problem which played havoc with the Apertura championship in the second half of last year.
(Writing by Brian Homewood in Rio de Janeiro)
posted by dustin1376
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America is very naive about this..but the rest of the world knows.
We talk about bad fans in Philly (where they boo Santa as Southern would say) at the Vet, or the Black Hole of Oakland, but we are very tame in the States compared to some others.
When's the last time you went to a game in the states and there was a full battallion of Special forces in riot gear? A common sight in Series A, the Argentine premier league, and sadly..even the civilized Premiership. Every time I get in argument on the internet with someone about the US role and participation in futbol worldwide I site this.
Dustin...it amazes me how FIFA and UEFA and the governing bodies let this slide. Forget hooliganism, how about racism? In Spain they throw bananas at black players in the pros and hoot at them. Just ask Henri of France. Could you imagine that shit flying in Atlanta? Or how about in Germany and surprisignly England and France, where the 4'th reich is prominent with all too familiar hand signals and hard core racism.
I love soccer/futbol and it pisses me off that the US leads the way in how to handle racism and hooliganism...but those that mock us on the pitch can't even control their fans. Artest and Piston fans are pansies compared to the shit that goes down in Europe and Latin America on a weekly basis.
Last take, not one member of UEFA or FIFA's board of directors is an African American..and they say they are doing all they can to promote harmony in the stands and quell racism. What the Fuck Ever....
Any Euro on this site tell me I'm wrong. Futbol in America might not have the attendance and passion it has in other parts of the world, but at least I can take my kids to it and enjoy the game instead of seeing the ugly side of fanatics.
That's all I got. Teeks, good point and isn't it funny how we get bashed as a futbol wanna be country yet at least we can handle our own problems in the stands.
Bananas on the field?? Is this really 2007?
I saw the piece on racism on 60 minutes. If your interested in racism in futbol overseas and how big a problem it really is..go to CBS.com and search the archives of 60 minutes. I was amazed and I'll take the Black Hole and fans in Philly over this kind of BS.
Good post Dustin...with that being said? Can we still hire Jurgen? Please USSA get off your pride and go get Klinsman to lead us to the promised land.
posted by pc7588
March 10 2007 4:19pm -
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That was on HBO's weekly sports show with Bryant Gumbl.
posted by pc7588
March 10 2007 6:52pm -
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Sweet. I went to a game down in La Bombonera in Buenos Aires a few years ago. That's the home stadium of the Boca Juniors... It was some bad ass shit and fun too, lmao... I got some pictures somewhere on my other PC, I'll dig them up and post em here.
Anyway, the stands are sort of divided. The cheapo seats where the hardcores stand (no seats) are separate from the rest of the stands (with seats) by big plexiglass walls and barbed wire...
posted by ricky
March 10 2007 8:45pm -
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Fellas, I couldn't agree with you more. As a former and current player (although not where I used to be), I can relate to the comments that you stated PC.
It is ridiculous what the state of the game has had to endure in the past and current. Although people say it is a small faction that make up these hooligans and racists I don't believe that statement to hold true. When I went over to Europe during the World Cup it was amazing to me when I spoke to some of my ex teammates who would comment on how tame people were compared to the Serie A, Premiership and LA Liga seasons. I mean some of my friends told me that they actually would not wear some of their teams colors at certain matches due to acts of violence that may be committed. They love their futbol and would never not go to a game because of the threat of violence, but must prepare themselves in the case that could happen.
As a last note, when I worked for ADIDAS years ago I remember travelling to a WORLD CUP QUALIFIER in Mexico and in COSTA RICA and HONDURAS. You want to talk about high security at those events!!!It was a bit nerve racking to say the least!
posted by dustin1376
March 13 2007 2:40pm