The Ministry of Security of the Province of Buenos Aires, through the Agency for the Prevention of Violence in Sport (APREVIDE), announced that “the sanction imposed on Racing Club, which barred it from playing with spectators, has been lifted” due to the reception for Flamengo in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. According to the Argentine News Agency, the Cilindro de Avellaneda had been closed and punished with three matches behind closed doors at home. However, prior to the 'Academy's' match against River Plate in the Clausura Tournament round of 16, the body decided to reverse course and allow spectators. “The decision was made after today's meeting, which was attended by Racing's president, Diego Milito; the president of the AFA, Claudio Tapia; the Minister of Security of the Province of Buenos Aires, Javier Alonso; and the head of APREVIDE,” the official statement explains. However, it also notes that this ruling “does not mean a relaxation in the fight against violence in sport” and that it “will continue to work to prevent the use of pyrotechnics and other dangerous items in stadiums.” Likewise, the document made it clear that APREVIDE “will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on Racing Club in case of recurrence.” The 'Academy' had already received a heavy sanction for the reception in the 2024 Copa Sudamericana semi-finals against Brazil's Corinthians. The official statement from APREVIDE “The Ministry of Security of the Province of Buenos Aires through APREVIDE informs that the sanction imposed on Racing Club, which prevented it from playing with spectators, has been lifted due to the improper use of pyrotechnics in the match against Flamengo for the Copa Libertadores. The decision was made after today's meeting, in which participated the president of Racing, Diego Milito; the president of the AFA, Claudio Tapia; the Minister of Security of the Province of Buenos Aires, Javier Alonso; and the head of APREVIDE. Racing Club acknowledged the improper use of pyrotechnics in the match against Flamengo and committed to investigating and sanctioning those responsible. The agency will continue to work to prevent the use of pyrotechnics and other dangerous items in stadiums and will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on Racing Club in case of recurrence. The safety of spectators and the prevention of violence in sport are the priority of APREVIDE.” In this sense, APREVIDE values the club's attitude and its commitment to safety and the prevention of violence in sport. Therefore, Racing Club will be able to play with spectators next Monday against River Plate, in the corresponding round of the local tournament. APREVIDE wants to emphasize that this decision does not mean a relaxation in the fight against violence in sport.
