Argentina's River Plate are relegated

One of Argentina's most famous clubs in Club Atlético River Plate from Buenos Aires has been relegated to the Nacional B division after a 1-1 draw at home at the El Monumental against Club Atlético Belgrano de Córdoba in their relegation playoff second-leg. Belgrano had won the first-leg 2-0 and the tie over two legs 3–1 on aggregate.

In the 110th year of their existence River Plate are relegated for the first time in the long history of the club. The club needed at least a 2-0 win to stay in the top tier and things started off well as the home team took a first half lead, but Belgrano came back to equalise after the break. It was heartbreak for River Plate later on as Mariano Pavone missed a penalty and the match ended one-all with the referee blowing the whistle without allowing any injury time as things where heating up at the El Monumental.

There had been trouble surrounding River Plate games in recent weeks, so as a precaution more than 2,000 policemen were in and around the stadium. Before the end of the game police had to use water cannons to keep angry fans away from the pitch and the players needed extra security cover to reach the inflatable tunnel to their dressing rooms.

Buenos Aires is bracing for a night of heavy violence as the Los Millonarios (The Millionaires) archrivals of Boca Juniors are relegated following years of mismanagement. 1978 FIFA World Cup winning captain Daniel Pasarella had taken over as president of the club in December 2009, but he along with others could not avoid the drop with the club said to have close to 20 Million US Dollar in debt.


A Video on what happened at the ground after the game (Those of you who understand Spanish will understand what the commentators say)