Argentina postpones all domestic matches after footballer dies

All Argentine football matches this weekend are off following the death of a fourth division player, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said yesterday (May 14).

Emanuel Ortega had smashed his head on a concrete wall surrounding the pitch.

The player fell into the barrier after being charged off the ball during the San Martín de Burzaco versus Juventud Unida game in Primera C on May 3.

The 21-year old died yesterday morning.

Argentine football has some of the most violent fans in the world: Many stadiums still have moats surrounding the pitch and high-wire fences to separate fans from the players.

The AFA said in a statement: 

"AFA expresses its deep sorrow at the loss of the San Martin de Burzaco player and extends its condolences to his family and friends.

"The football program for the weekend is suspended.”

The fence at San Martín de Burzaco’s ground was built into the four foot-high wall that was just a few feet from the touchline.

Sources: Reuters, YouTube