The Dark Side Of Losing FIFA World Cup Emerges As Rioting Erupts In Argentina
The FIFA World Cup this year was high in all the aspects, the revelry, the anticipation and the intensity. So why should the aftermath of the greatest spectacle be any different? As the Argentina lost to Germany, the Argentinian fans weren’t in a gracious mood, and like every other World Cup, intense rioting followed the humiliating defeat.
The FIFA World Cup was full of interesting moments as well as not so great, painful memories. But one thing remains certain, the citizens of the losing team are, well, not good losers. They vent their anger by doing what irate fans do best: damaging public property.
While official records report that disturbances took place in Buenos Aires after Argentina’s national team lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Germany, the reality is anything but a mere disturbance. Wild rioting shook Buenos Aires as disappointed and angry fans took to the streets and vandalized stores. Rioters, consisting of mostly youngsters, went on a rampage, destroying cars, looting stores, and breaking displays. There have even been unconfirmed reports of various vehicles being set on fire.
The clashes occurred in the center of the Argentinian capital, near the landmark Obelisk of Buenos Aires, where thousands of people had peacefully gathered earlier to cheer for their team, reported Baltimore Sun. All were quite joyful and confident that their team would bring home the football World Cup this year.
But immediately after the defeat became apparent, a group of 15 football fans reportedly climbed onto a TV news van and ripped off the antenna, reported RT. The situation quickly deteriorated as youths hurled rocks and vandalized stores in the city center after the World Cup loss.
In other parts of the Argentine capital, disgruntled fans set fire to trash cans and blocked roads with crude, makeshift barricades. There have also been reports of similar acts of vandalism in San Miguel — a northwest region of Greater Buenos Aires as well as city of La Plata.
Though police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse angry fans, on the whole Argentinians have graciously accepted the defeat. Thousands of fans had quietly gathered around the Obelisk monument. They were seen waving the national flag, determined to celebrate reaching the World Cup final, which was certainly no easy feat, considering the competition.
Argentina had indeed worked hard to earn its place in the finals. Though defeated by the Germans, the rioting merely destroyed property and, for many, their means of livelihood.
[Image Credit | Ivan Alvarado, Jon Nazca]
