The recent surge in violence surrounding football culture in Argentina has reached a grim peak as Andrés Bracamonte—also known as Pillín—was shot dead near the Gigante de Arroyito stadium in Rosario, where he had been a notorious figure for over two decades.
Gang Leader Gunned Down in Rosario: Football Hooliganism Claims Another Victim
Gang Leader Gunned Down in Rosario: Football Hooliganism Claims Another Victim
In a chilling incident that reflects Argentina's troubled relationship with football violence, a prominent hooligan leader was murdered.
In the aftermath of a league match on Saturday, Bracamonte, along with his deputy Daniel "Rana" Atardo, came under attack from a motorcyclist while just four blocks from the stadium. Bracamonte's long history of violence at matches had earned him a ban, and he had a troubled history with law enforcement, facing accusations of money-laundering and extortion before his untimely death.
The two were rushed to Centenario Hospital, but their injuries were critical, and they did not survive despite medical efforts. Local media outlets quickly labeled the shooting as a potential "settling of scores," highlighting the bitter rivalries that exist within Argentina's football culture.
Bracamonte, 52, had experienced multiple assassination attempts in the past, narrowly escaping injury as recently as August, when a bullet grazed his back. His connections to the notorious drug cartel Los Monos further complicate his legacy, as he was already under investigation for financial crimes related to money-laundering.
His death not only raises questions about ongoing violence amongst football fan groups but also underscores the challenges faced by authorities in curbing this cycle of retribution and crime. As Argentina seeks to address these issues, Bracamonte’s demise serves as a stark reminder of the dark corners within the nation’s passion for football.
The two were rushed to Centenario Hospital, but their injuries were critical, and they did not survive despite medical efforts. Local media outlets quickly labeled the shooting as a potential "settling of scores," highlighting the bitter rivalries that exist within Argentina's football culture.
Bracamonte, 52, had experienced multiple assassination attempts in the past, narrowly escaping injury as recently as August, when a bullet grazed his back. His connections to the notorious drug cartel Los Monos further complicate his legacy, as he was already under investigation for financial crimes related to money-laundering.
His death not only raises questions about ongoing violence amongst football fan groups but also underscores the challenges faced by authorities in curbing this cycle of retribution and crime. As Argentina seeks to address these issues, Bracamonte’s demise serves as a stark reminder of the dark corners within the nation’s passion for football.
