After more than a decade, visiting fans returned to stadiums in Argentina\u2019s top football flight last weekend.<\/p>\n
More than 7,000 Rosario Central supporters were allowed to travel to Lan\u00fas to watch their team in the second round of the Clausura tournament.<\/p>\n
The move comes in the wake of the \u201cDi Mar\u00eda effect \u2013 following the euphoric scenes in Rosario last Saturday as international star \u00c1ngel Di Mar\u00eda made his long-awaited return to Argentine football after 18 years in Europe.<\/p>\n
The match was\u00a0 the first time since June 2013 that rival fans will be allowed to attend top-flight matches together. The ban was introduced following the death of Lan\u00fas supporter Javier Jerez, who died during a confrontation with Buenos Aires Province police force outside the Estadio \u00danico in La Plata.<\/p>\n
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has been vocal in his support for bringing back visiting fans. After discussions with security authorities, spectators from both sides are expected to be present at the Lan\u00fas v Rosario Central and Instituto\u2013River Plate matches.<\/p>\n
These two fixtures are seen as a tentative first step in Tapia\u2019s efforts to normalise the return of away fans in the Primera Divisi\u00f3n, though each case will remain subject to the approval of security agencies.<\/p>\n
\u00abThe clubs that are in a position to host visiting fans can do so,\u00bb Tapia said at a press conference prior to the match.<\/p>\n
\u00abIt’s a day that marks a before and after in our football,\u00bb he added.<\/p>\n
\u00abWe want football to be a family affair again\u00a0 That’s what football fans and society want,\u00bb he said.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013 TIMES\/AFP<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nrelated news<\/h6>\n<\/p>\n<\/section>\n