# Boca-River rivalry balances family atmosphere with a violent past

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/revisiting-the-superclasico-a-story-of-death-violence-colour-and-family/
- Published: 2026-11-02T20:00:27+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T20:32:49+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/02/revisiting-superclasico-boca-juniors-river-plate
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- The Superclásico’s atmosphere has changed since away fans were banned in 2013.
- The writer recalls deaths linked to the fixture, including the 1968 Puerta 12 crush.
- Club-organised displays now shape a matchday once driven by rival supporters.

## Summary

The writer’s visit to Boca Juniors v River Plate at La Bombonera, on the week of her 60th birthday, prompted reflections on a fixture famed for its colour and intensity, but also marked by deaths and violence. The matchday atmosphere has changed since Argentina banned away supporters in 2013, making games more family-friendly for many while reducing the spectacle and silencing opposing fans.

The article recalls the 1994 killing of two River supporters after a match, and the writer’s reporting that cleared La Doce leader José Barritta of involvement in the ambush. It also notes that 71 fans, mostly Boca supporters, were crushed at the stadium’s Puerta 12 exit in 1968; the circumstances remain unclear. At Sunday’s game, club-organised fireworks and blue-and-yellow umbrellas coloured the scene, while journalists sat among the home crowd.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.