A man identified by police as a Corinthians soccer fan, right, is escorted by police to the police station's offices in Oruro, Bolivia, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. Twelve Corinthian soccer fans were arrested on suspicion of having caused the death of a 14-year-old San Jose soccer fan by launching an explosive device during a Copa Libertadores game between San Jose and Corinthians on Wednesday in the Bolivian city of Oruro, according to police. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Corinthians to play without fans after boy's death
Published: 01:58:29 PM, Fri 22 February 2013 UTC
ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — The South American football federation says Brazilian club Corinthians will play without its fans for the next 60 days because of the death of a 14-year-old boy during its Copa Libertadores match this week.
Federation spokesman Nestor Benitez tells The Associated Press the sanction is temporary pending the result of the investigation by Bolivian authorities after Kevin Beltran Espada died with head injuries caused by a flare allegedly thrown from the Corinthians fan section.
Twelve Corinthians supporters remain detained in the Bolivian city of Oruro, where the match against San Jose was played Wednesday.
Corinthians, the defending champion, was expected to appeal. The team said nearly 80,000 tickets were already sold for the three home matches in the group stage.
The punishment is for Copa Libertadores matches only.
Tags:
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